2026 University of Maryland Depth Chart

Maryland’s offense will revolve around sophomore QB Malik Washington as a dual-threat centerpiece. The former blue-chip threw for nearly 3,000 yards with 17 TDs as a true freshman and added 303 rushing yards, securing his job despite the team’s 4–8 record. With both veteran challengers gone via transfer, Washington’s combination of rushing upside and uncontested snap count gives him a clear edge at QB1. Behind him, only unproven underclassmen remain – an incoming freshman (Nathan Bernhard) and a sophomore (Jackson Hamilton) – none of whom currently threaten Washington’s role or fantasy value. In short, all the Terps’ QB fantasy eggs are in Malik’s basket, and his rushing ability plus job security make him the obvious QB1 over any backup flyer.

At running back, the pecking order is less definitive, but DeJuan Williams gets the tentative nod as RB1. He led Maryland with 105 carries for 501 yards and two scores in 2025, showing three-down skills by chipping in as a receiver (including a 7-catch, 86-yard game). However, the Terps imported USC transfer Harry “Buddy” Dalton III, a former four-star with a powerful downhill style, to jump-start a ground game that ranked 17th out of 18 Big Ten teams. Dalton’s arrival is a double-edged sword for Williams’ fantasy outlook: it boosts a backfield that sorely needed talent, but Dalton could siphon goal-line carries and early-down work if his physicality translates. We’re slotting Williams slightly ahead due to his pass-game usage and incumbency, but Dalton looms as a high-upside RB2 who could overtake if he earns a larger share. Meanwhile, former four-star recruit Iverson Howard remains a wildcard. Howard has the talent pedigree but saw only sporadic touches last year, so we keep him at RB3 until he carves out a stable role behind the more established duo. This backfield has committee written all over it – a balance of Williams’ proven floor vs. Dalton’s ceiling – so fantasy managers should monitor how Mike Locksley and new OC Pep Hamilton deploy these pieces in fall camp.

With all three of Maryland’s top receivers from 2025 gone, new faces must step up – and we’re projecting the incoming transfers to headline the passing attack. Old Dominion transfer Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding (51 catches, 667 yards, 6 TDs last year) and Wyoming transfer Chris Durr Jr. (45 catches, 469 yards, 4 TDs) bring proven college production, albeit from the G5 level. They should immediately slot in as Washington’s primary targets given the vacuum at the position. We give Gladding a slight edge as Maryland’s fantasy WR1 due to his higher volume profile, but both he and Durr offer relatively high floors as experienced playmakers poised for heavy snap counts. The third receiver spot is a battle of upside: Kaleb Webb, a 6’5″ former SEC recruit from Tennessee, has the pedigree to be a big-play threat in his senior year. We’ve placed Webb at WR3, banking on his talent translating now that he’ll finally see significant snaps. Still, he’ll need to fend off other intriguing options. One is 6’7″ graduate Jordan Scott (a Florida State transfer), who could carve out a red-zone role with his rare size. Another is redshirt freshman Mekhai White, an athletic 6’5″ target who spent last year developing; his ceiling is high, but he’s unproven. We also have speedy sophomore Justin DeVaughn, a shifty slot receiver who coaches have earmarked as a rising playmaker. We’ve ranked Scott, White, and DeVaughn as WR4–WR6 respectively, reflecting a balance of experience and upside – Scott’s seniority and unique frame get the first crack, but White’s raw talent and DeVaughn’s quickness mean this tier of the depth chart could be fluid. The key for fantasy players is identifying who emerges as Washington’s go-to after the transfers. Gladding and Durr have the inside track, while Webb carries boom-or-bust potential, and any of the remaining trio could leap forward if they build chemistry with the QB.