Maryland at Ohio State Preview: Can Mike Locksley Show Signs of Life, or Is This Terps Season Spiraling Out of Control?

By Charles Harris

Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 4:15 p.m. ET | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio | Big Ten Network

Maryland football is heading to Columbus, Ohio, with more questions than answers, and the pressure on head coach Mike Locksley continues to grow. The Terrapins are 2-3, have lost three consecutive games, and are coming off a 48-23 defeat at Nebraska that exposed many of the same problems that have haunted this program for years.

Now comes the challenge of facing the fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, who enter the matchup at 4-1 after defeating Iowa 31-14 on the road.

This is not exactly the kind of opponent Maryland needs while trying to get its season back on track.

But here we are, Terps fans. Another week, another difficult matchup, and another opportunity for this program to show whether it has any fight left.

The questions are piling up.

Can Locksley finally make meaningful adjustments to his coaching strategy? Can quarterback Malik Washington bounce back after a disastrous stretch of turnovers and inconsistent decision-making? Can Maryland's defense find a way to slow down Jeremiah Smith, the Ohio State superstar who is emerging as a leading Heisman Trophy contender? And perhaps most importantly, is there any pride left in College Park?

Ravori Sports has been critical of Locksley's leadership, and that criticism is not going away because Maryland is playing one of the best programs in college football. Nobody expects the Terps to walk into Ohio Stadium and dominate the Buckeyes. But fans should expect a competitive effort, smarter football, and evidence that the coaching staff is capable of learning from its mistakes.

The problem is that Maryland has not consistently delivered those things.

The Terrapins showed some fight against Nebraska, but mistakes, turnovers, and a second-half collapse once again overshadowed the positives. Now they face a team with significantly more talent, a dangerous passing attack, and a defense capable of making Washington pay for every mistake.

This is a major test for Maryland's players and coaching staff.

Let's break it down.

1. Mike Locksley Must Show More Than Talk

Let's get straight to the biggest issue surrounding Maryland football: Mike Locksley is running out of room for excuses.

Locksley deserves credit for helping Maryland reach three consecutive bowl victories from 2021 through 2023. That was a meaningful accomplishment for a program that had struggled to establish consistency. However, the recent results have been troubling, and the 2026 season is beginning to look like another campaign in which the Terps are failing to meet expectations.

Maryland started the season with victories over Hampton and UConn, creating some optimism about what this team could accomplish. Since then, the schedule has exposed the problems.

The Terps lost 35-26 to Virginia Tech, suffered a humiliating 54-3 defeat against UCLA, and then fell 48-23 to Nebraska.

Three losses, three different opportunities to demonstrate improvement, and too many familiar mistakes.

Against Virginia Tech, Maryland struggled to control possession and could not make enough plays to finish the comeback. Against UCLA, the offense completely disappeared. Against Nebraska, the Terps showed more fight but still allowed turnovers, penalties, and poor second-half execution to determine the outcome.

That is the frustrating part. Maryland has shown flashes of ability, but flashes do not win Big Ten games.

The question is whether Locksley is willing to make meaningful adjustments rather than continue asking the same players to execute the same approach with the same results.

The Ohio State game provides an opportunity to find out.

Maryland cannot afford to enter this matchup with a predictable offensive plan, poor situational decisions, and no answer when the opponent makes adjustments. Locksley and his offensive staff must be willing to change personnel groupings, improve protection, and create easier opportunities for Washington.

That could mean using more condensed formations, tighter alignments, and heavier personnel to help the offensive line. It could mean incorporating more designed quarterback runs, quick passes, and misdirection to prevent Ohio State from attacking predictable passing situations.

It also means understanding when to take risks and when to play conservatively.

Nobody is asking Locksley to invent a new offense overnight. But after three straight losses, Maryland needs evidence that the coaching staff understands what has gone wrong and has a credible plan to fix it.

The Buckeyes are heavily favored, and the talent gap is obvious. That makes coaching adjustments even more important.

Ravori Sports take: Maryland may not have enough talent to beat Ohio State, but it has enough talent to demand better preparation, better discipline, and a more convincing plan.

2. Can Malik Washington Turn Things Around?

The second major storyline is quarterback Malik Washington.

Washington has the physical tools to become an excellent college quarterback. He is a talented young passer with the arm strength to attack the field vertically, and his mobility gives Maryland another option when the pocket breaks down.

Unfortunately, talent has not consistently translated into good decisions over the last two games.

Washington threw three interceptions against UCLA, including a costly pick-six, and his struggles continued against Nebraska. His recent turnover problems have placed additional pressure on an offense that already has difficulty sustaining drives against quality opponents.

Reports heading into Saturday indicate that Washington has thrown six interceptions over his last two games. That is a staggering number for any quarterback, particularly one trying to establish himself as the long-term answer at Maryland.

Those turnovers are not all created equal. Some come from pressure, some from receivers failing to finish plays, and others from quarterbacks forcing throws that are not there. But Washington must take responsibility for recognizing danger and protecting the football.

Against Ohio State, that responsibility becomes even more important.

The Buckeyes have the defensive talent to disguise coverages, pressure the pocket, and punish quarterbacks who stare down their first reads. If Washington repeatedly forces passes into traffic, Maryland could find itself trailing by multiple scores before halftime.

The solution is not necessarily to stop throwing the football. Washington must learn to take what the defense gives him.

Ohio State will likely challenge Maryland to execute underneath and demonstrate patience. Washington needs to recognize when a checkdown is the correct decision, when to throw the ball away, and when to use his legs to escape pressure.

He also needs help from his coaching staff.

Maryland should use designed quarterback movement, rollouts, quick screens, and shorter passing concepts to get Washington comfortable early. A few successful completions could help settle the offense and create opportunities to attack deeper downfield.

The offensive line must also give him a reasonable chance to operate. Washington cannot be expected to make good decisions if Ohio State's pass rush is consistently arriving before his receivers finish their routes.

However, protection problems do not excuse every interception.

Washington must improve his decision-making, and Locksley must develop a game plan that reduces the likelihood of putting his quarterback in difficult situations.

This game could be an important learning experience for Washington. He does not have to produce a perfect performance, but he must demonstrate that he can respond to adversity rather than allowing one mistake to turn into several.

The Terps need their quarterback to become part of the solution.

If Washington protects the ball, Maryland has a chance to keep the offense moving. If the interceptions continue, this could become another long afternoon in which the defense is constantly placed in difficult situations.

3. Jeremiah Smith Is a Nightmare Matchup for Maryland

If Washington is Maryland's biggest question mark, Jeremiah Smith is Ohio State's biggest weapon.

The Buckeyes' star wide receiver has been spectacular over the past two games, recording 23 receptions for 423 yards and six touchdowns. Against Iowa, he caught 11 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns in Ohio State's 31-14 victory.

That is the kind of production that can destroy a defensive game plan.

Smith is not simply a receiver who wins when he is wide open. He can make contested catches, create separation, attack defensive backs vertically, and turn short passes into significant gains. His combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills makes him one of the most difficult players in college football to defend.

He is also emerging as a serious Heisman Trophy contender, adding another layer of attention to Saturday's matchup.

For Maryland, the challenge is figuring out how to limit Smith without allowing Ohio State's other offensive weapons to take over.

The Terps cannot simply line up one cornerback against Smith and hope for the best. They must use a combination of disciplined coverage, safety help, and pressure on quarterback Julian Sayin.

That does not mean doubling Smith on every snap. Ohio State can exploit predictable coverage by attacking the middle of the field, targeting other receivers, or using motion to create favorable matchups.

Maryland's defensive backs must communicate effectively and avoid giving up easy releases at the line of scrimmage. The pass rush also has to make Sayin uncomfortable. If he has time to stand in the pocket and repeatedly target Smith, the afternoon could get ugly quickly.

Locksley has acknowledged the challenge of defending explosive playmakers like Smith. Now the coaching staff must demonstrate that it can translate that understanding into an effective game plan.

The Terps should mix coverages, disguise their intentions, and force Sayin to make decisions under pressure.

Even then, Smith may still make big plays. Great receivers do that.

The objective should be to prevent him from dominating the entire game.

Maryland needs to make Ohio State earn its yards, tackle well after the catch, and prevent explosive plays from turning into immediate touchdowns.

If Smith records another 200-yard performance, the Terps will have a difficult time keeping the game competitive. If Maryland can hold him below his recent production and force Ohio State to distribute the ball elsewhere, it will have a better chance of staying in the game.

This is the kind of challenge that reveals whether a defense has a real plan or is simply hoping the opposing star has an off day.

4. Maryland's Defense Must Find a Way to Get Off the Field

The Terps' defense has been under pressure throughout this losing streak, and Saturday will test every part of the unit.

Ohio State has a talented quarterback in Julian Sayin, a superstar receiver in Smith, and enough offensive depth to punish defenses that focus too heavily on one player. The Buckeyes just put up 31 points against Iowa, a team that entered that matchup with one of the nation's strongest scoring defenses.

Maryland cannot expect to win a shootout if its offense continues turning the ball over.

That puts the defense in a difficult position. It must stop a powerful offense while knowing that one bad series from Washington could leave the Buckeyes with excellent field position.

The defensive front must generate pressure without abandoning its assignments. The linebackers must tackle consistently, and the secondary must avoid communication breakdowns that allow receivers to run free.

The Terps also have to pay attention to Ohio State's running game. If Maryland devotes every resource to stopping Sayin and Smith, the Buckeyes could exploit the space underneath or use the ground game to keep the offense balanced.

The goal should be to create third-and-long situations, force Ohio State to execute extended drives, and make the Buckeyes work for their points.

Turnovers would be particularly valuable. Maryland needs a takeaway that changes momentum, gives the offense a short field, or prevents Ohio State from extending its lead.

But the defense cannot be expected to save the season by itself.

Against UCLA, Maryland allowed the game to get away from it. Against Nebraska, the defense faced the consequences of costly mistakes and struggled to prevent the game from slipping away in the second half.

If Washington throws interceptions and the offense cannot sustain drives, the defense will eventually wear down.

This is where the entire team must contribute. Maryland needs its offense to maintain possession, its defense to make timely stops, and its special teams to avoid handing Ohio State additional opportunities.

There is no easy solution against a team this talented. But Maryland can at least demonstrate that it is prepared to compete.

5. Can Locksley Change Maryland's Offensive Strategy?

This is the question that has followed Maryland throughout its three-game losing streak.

The Terps have struggled when opponents pressure Washington, and the offense has been inconsistent when forced to operate in obvious passing situations. Against Ohio State, those problems could become even more pronounced.

Locksley must be willing to make adjustments before the game gets out of hand.

One potential solution is to incorporate more condensed formations and heavier personnel packages. These alignments can help the offensive line by reducing the number of defenders it must account for across the formation, while giving Maryland more options for running the football.

Condensed formations can also create natural traffic for receivers and open space outside the numbers. Maryland could use play-action and misdirection to prevent Ohio State from immediately recognizing where the ball is going.

Another option is to use Washington's mobility more deliberately. Designed quarterback runs, rollouts, and read-option concepts could force the Buckeyes to account for him as a runner rather than simply rushing toward the pocket.

Quick passes should also be part of the plan. Maryland needs to get the ball out before Ohio State's pass rush can disrupt the play.

The important thing is that the Terps cannot become predictable.

If every passing down turns into a traditional dropback with Washington looking for a deep route, Ohio State will have opportunities to attack him. Maryland must create easier completions, establish some confidence, and make the defense defend the entire field.

But strategic changes alone will not solve everything. Players must execute, the offensive line must protect, and Washington must make better decisions.

Locksley has to find the right balance between supporting his quarterback and challenging him to improve.

The question is not whether Maryland can suddenly become a better team than Ohio State. The question is whether the coaching staff can make adjustments that help Maryland play its best football.

That is a reasonable expectation, even against an elite opponent.

6. Is There Any Pride Left in College Park?

This is where the conversation becomes bigger than one Saturday afternoon.

Maryland fans have watched this program endure rebuilding seasons, promising starts, frustrating collapses, and disappointing Big Ten performances. They have invested their time and money hoping the Terps could eventually become a consistent contender.

The three-game losing streak has tested that patience.

The UCLA loss was particularly difficult to accept. Losing 54-3 is not simply a matter of being outmatched. It raises questions about preparation, execution, and whether the team can respond when things go wrong.

The Nebraska game offered some improvement in terms of fight, but the same problems resurfaced. Turnovers, penalties, and an uneven second half prevented Maryland from turning that effort into a victory.

Now the Terps travel to Ohio State, where the talent gap will be substantial.

Nobody should pretend that Maryland is on equal footing with the Buckeyes. Ohio State has recruited at an elite level for years and has the personnel to compete for major honors.

But pride is not measured by recruiting rankings.

Pride means continuing to compete after falling behind. It means finishing tackles, protecting the football, and refusing to let a bad quarter turn into a disastrous game. It means coaching staffs making adjustments and players holding themselves accountable.

Maryland does not have to win Saturday to show signs of life.

It needs to show that the program is learning from its mistakes.

If the Terps play disciplined football, compete for four quarters, and give Ohio State a legitimate challenge, there will be something positive to take away from the afternoon.

If they come out flat, commit turnovers, and allow the game to become a blowout before halftime, the questions surrounding Locksley's future will become even louder.

There is a difference between losing to a superior team and looking unprepared to compete against one.

Maryland must understand that difference.

The coaching staff must also recognize that fans are not going to be satisfied indefinitely with moral victories. Competitive performances are a starting point, not the ultimate goal.

The Terps need to show that they can translate improved effort into actual wins when they return home to face Rutgers on October 17.

7. What Would a Successful Saturday Look Like?

For Maryland, success against Ohio State should be measured by more than the final score.

First, Washington must protect the football. The interception problem has become too significant to ignore, and another multi-turnover performance would make it nearly impossible to stay competitive.

Second, the offense must establish a reliable running game. Maryland needs to take pressure off Washington and prevent the Buckeyes from attacking the quarterback on every passing down.

Third, the defense must contain Smith well enough to prevent another historic afternoon. That means disciplined coverage, pressure on Sayin, and sound tackling after the catch.

Fourth, Maryland must eliminate the costly penalties and special-teams mistakes that have contributed to its struggles.

Finally, Locksley must demonstrate that the coaching staff has a plan to address the team's weaknesses.

Those are not unreasonable expectations.

The Terps could still lose by a substantial margin and show improvement in some of those areas. But if the same mistakes continue, fans will have every reason to question whether this coaching staff can turn things around.

Maryland also needs to avoid looking ahead to Rutgers. The only way to rebuild confidence is to prepare for the opponent in front of you and execute one play at a time.

Ohio State presents a difficult challenge, but it also offers an opportunity for Maryland to measure itself against an elite program.

The Terps need to take advantage of that opportunity.

Ravori Sports Prediction: Ohio State 55, Maryland 13

Let's be honest, Terps fans. This is a brutal matchup for a Maryland team that has lost three straight games and continues to struggle with turnovers and consistency.

Ohio State has the home-field advantage, a dangerous offense, and one of the most explosive receivers in college football in Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes also have a defense capable of exploiting Washington's recent struggles.

That makes the matchup especially difficult for Maryland.

I expect the Terps to try to establish the running game early, use shorter passes to help Washington settle down, and mix in some different formations to keep Ohio State guessing.

But unless Maryland dramatically improves its ball security, the Buckeyes should have opportunities to take control.

My prediction is Ohio State 55, Maryland 13.

I expect Smith to make several major plays, while Washington faces another difficult afternoon against a talented defense. Maryland may find some success early, but I have concerns about whether the Terps can sustain drives and prevent Ohio State from building a commanding lead.

Still, the final score is not the only thing worth watching.

Can Locksley show that he is willing to make meaningful changes? Can Washington respond to adversity and protect the football? Can Maryland's defense make Ohio State work for its points? And can the Terps compete for four quarters without allowing mistakes to destroy their chances?

Those are the questions that matter.

Ravori Sports' bottom line: Maryland does not have to pull off a miracle in Columbus to show progress. But after three straight losses, the Terps need to demonstrate that their coaching staff can make adjustments, their quarterback can learn from his mistakes, and their players still have the pride to compete.

The talent gap is real. The coaching questions are real. And the frustration among Maryland fans is real.

At some point, the excuses have to stop.

Terps fans deserve to see a team that fights, adjusts, and improves. Saturday is another opportunity for Locksley and his players to show that this program is not simply going through the motions.

What do you think, Maryland fans? Can Mike Locksley make the adjustments needed to keep this game competitive? Will Malik Washington bounce back, or will Jeremiah Smith and Ohio State expose the Terps again? And most importantly, is there still enough pride in College Park to turn this season around?

Sound off in the comments, and stay with Ravori Sports for more Maryland football coverage.