Maryland Football's Season Ends in Heartbreak: Lessons from Loss to Michigan State

A Dramatic Finale for the Terps

Maryland football wrapped its 2025 season with a gut-wrenching 38-28 loss against Michigan State at Ford Field. The Terps, who opened the game with a staggering 17-0 deficit, fought back valiantly to close in on their rivals, only to falter in the final moments again.

“This year wasn't good enough,” head coach Michael Locksley lamented after the game. “Did not meet expectations that any of us set inside of Jones-Hill House.”

Despite the defeat marking an eight-game losing streak, there were glimpses of brilliance, especially from quarterback Malik Washington. He threw for 459 yards, demonstrating impressive skills that fans can look forward to next season.

Highs and Lows of the Season Finale

The Terps' season-ending game showcased both the promising future and current challenges of the team:

• Malik Washington Shines: Completing 38 of 61 passes for a staggering 459 yards and three touchdowns, Washington's performance was a highlight. His potential seems bright, despite a late-season interception that marred his final play.
• Defensive Struggles Persist: Once again, Maryland's defense struggled, allowing Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic to throw for 292 yards and four touchdowns. This marks a continued trend of defensive vulnerabilities that need urgent addressing.

Fans were treated to one of the more thrilling matchups of the Big Ten's closing games; however, it raises the question — where has this performance been all season?

Facing the Reality of a Tough Season

Following the game, it was clear that Maryland had much soul-searching to do. The team's defensive issues persisted, and their inability to convert deep passes left them vulnerable. Washington's downfield accuracy, a point of concern, saw him struggle in the latter half of the season, completing only 20 of 65 pass attempts on throws 15 or more yards downfield.

-> **Prime Observations**: Coach Locksley pointed out a need for improvement. “What I've learned about this team, they don't quit. They keep continuing to fight.”

The Road Ahead for Maryland Football

As the Terps head into the offseason, anticipation abounds regarding potential coaching changes, new recruits, and transfer portal moves. Maryland's 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked 51st, and with 279 days until kickoff, they have plenty of questions to answer.

Today's takeaway? While the heartbreak of the 2025 season lingers, hope flickers through Washington's ability and Locksley's insights into their future. They need players ready to embrace the competitive spirit.

Embracing the Future

Locksley remains adamant about the program's potential: “We've got to retain this roster, which I expect us to be able to do. I'm confident that we'll get this program bounced back the way we all want it to be.”

The transfer portal officially opens on January 2, 2026, and with Maryland's efforts to retain crucial players, both the coaching staff and the fans will be scrutinizing every move made in the offseason as they work to build a stronger Terps squad.

With ample room for improvement, I believe there's much to look forward to as I reflect on a season filled with its share of ups and downs. The Terps are set to make necessary adjustments and return to the field with renewed vigor next year.