Maryland

Keeping quarterback Malik Washington was Maryland's biggest offseason victory, providing stability at the most crucial position after a disappointing 4-8 campaign. The Terrapins grade out at 62nd nationally with a +0.1 rating that masks significant variance between units — a defense that ranks 37th (+2.2) and an offense struggling at 92nd (-2.4). Portal additions Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding (46.4 PPA from Old Dominion) and Chris Durr Jr. (27.1 PPA from Wyoming) should bolster Washington's receiving corps, while running back Terrez Worthy arrives from Temple to help establish the ground game that Maryland desperately needs.

JP+ projects 5.6 wins for the Terrapins, who face a brutal Big Ten slate including road trips to Ohio State and USC. The defense shows stable continuity and should again carry this team, but offensive improvement hinges on Washington developing chemistry with his new weapons while the running game finds traction behind an offensive line that returns 69% of its snaps. If Washington takes a step forward and the portal receivers translate immediately, Maryland could surprise in a conference where every win matters. If the offense continues to sputter at sub-100 levels nationally, another long season awaits in College Park.