Could This Be the Worst Season Yet Under Mike Locksley?

A stark prediction from Pro Football Network has cast a long shadow over the Maryland Terrapins football program, suggesting a winless Big Ten season in 2025. This grim forecast immediately begs the question: could the upcoming year truly mark the nadir of the Mike Locksley era in College Park? For a program that has shown glimpses of progress under Locksley, such a scenario would not only be a significant setback but could also ignite serious questions about the program's long-term trajectory and the head coach's future.

Since taking the reins in 2019, Locksley has overseen a gradual, albeit sometimes frustrating, ascent for the Terrapins. He inherited a program reeling from instability and has, to his credit, instilled a sense of culture and improved recruiting. Back-to-back bowl victories in 2022 and 2023 were tangible signs of progress, demonstrating the team's ability to compete and finish seasons strong. Yet, consistent contention within the unforgiving landscape of the Big Ten East has remained elusive. Maryland has struggled to break through against the conference's elite, often showcasing flashes of brilliance early in seasons before fading against tougher league opponents. A winless conference slate in 2025, therefore, would represent a dramatic regression, stripping away all the hard-won momentum and exposing deep-seated issues.

The expansion of the Big Ten to include powerhouse programs like Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA undoubtedly ratchets up the difficulty for every existing member, and Maryland is no exception. PFN's bold forecast likely factors in this seismic shift, recognizing that Maryland’s path to even a single conference victory has become significantly more arduous. The Terrapins will face a schedule replete with teams boasting superior talent, deeper rosters, and established winning cultures. For Locksley's squad, navigating this new, super-sized Big Ten will demand an unprecedented level of execution, coaching adjustments, and player development. It’s not just about competing; it’s about finding a way to win against teams that were once considered out-of-conference challenges.

To defy PFN's grim prognosis, Locksley's program must demonstrate significant strides in player development, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines – the bedrock of Big Ten success. The quarterback position, critical to any team's fortunes, will need to be stable and highly productive, capable of making plays under immense pressure. Furthermore, Locksley and his staff will be tasked with maximizing every ounce of talent on the roster, while simultaneously continuing to recruit at a high level to build sustainable depth against the new conference behemoths. The pressure on Locksley in 2025 will be immense. After years of rebuilding and incremental gains, a winless Big Ten season would undoubtedly represent the most challenging chapter of his tenure, potentially leading to an existential crisis for Maryland football and its leadership.