Maryland

The biggest offseason win for Maryland wasn't a splashy hire or scheme change — it was simply keeping quarterback Malik Washington in College Park when he could have bolted for the transfer portal. Now the Terrapins have surrounded him with legitimate weapons, headlined by wide receiver Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding's arrival from Old Dominion after posting 46.4 PPA last season. Chris Durr Jr. adds another proven target after transferring from Wyoming, while defensive tackle Lavon Johnson's arrival from Texas should bolster a defense that already grades out 39th nationally at +2.6 points. The Terps' 11 portal arrivals generated 70.9 PPA compared to just 0.6 lost from 16 departures, creating a massive talent infusion after a disappointing 4-8 campaign that left them ranked 62nd in the preseason power ratings at +0.5.

JP+ projects 5.9 wins for Maryland in 2026, suggesting modest improvement but still a program searching for consistency in the loaded Big Ten. The defense should keep them competitive — that +2.6 rating ranks in the top 40 nationally — but the offense remains a question mark at -1.9 points despite the portal additions. Washington has the arm talent to maximize Gladding and Durr's skill sets, though establishing a ground game behind new additions like USC transfer Harry Dalton III will be crucial for offensive balance. If the portal pieces gel quickly and Johnson anchors an improved defensive front, Maryland could surprise in a conference where 6-7 wins would represent real progress. If not, another underwhelming season awaits in a league that punishes teams without elite quarterback play or dominant defenses.