For the past four seasons, the identity of the Maryland football team was linked almost exclusively to its prolific passing attack behind record-setting quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. But with the Big Ten’s career leader in passing yards departed from the program and the Terrapins still trying to determine his successor, Coach Michael Locksley has made it clear this year’s team must be far more reliant on its defense.
Maryland has seven starters back on a unit that finished 2023 ranked 30th nationally, permitting 334.1 yards per game. Experience and depth along the front seven, in particular, provide Locksley and defensive coordinator Brian Williams reason for elevated optimism.