Locksley praises Maryland’s 27-10 upset of Wisconsin, lauds Washington

When Mike Locksley stood on the sidelines in Madison and watched his squad finish a 27‑10 road triumph, the grin on his face said it all. The win came during the Maryland vs. Wisconsin football gameMadison, Wisconsin, marking the Terrapins’ fourth straight victory and a statement that the program may finally be turning a corner. It mattered not just for the scoreboard; it gave a bruising, confidence‑boosting barometer for a young team eyeing the rigors of Big Ten play.

• Date: September 20, 2025
• Final score: Maryland Terrapins 27, Wisconsin Badgers 10
• Freshman QB Malik Washington: 1,038 passing yards, 8 TDs in first four games
• Special teams: blocked a field goal and a punt – first double‑block since 2008
• Next game: vs. Washington (3‑1) at SECU Stadium on Oct 4, 2025

Game Recap and Key Moments

The Terrapins arrived in the Midwest with confidence but also a chip on their shoulder after critics questioned their ability to compete in the Big Ten. Early on, Maryland’s defense set the tone, delivering a sack on Wisconsin’s star running back and forcing a three‑and‑out that led to the first special‑teams block – a field‑goal attempt that tucked itself in the back of the net. A second block later in the second quarter, this time on a punt, gave Maryland excellent field position and set up the game‑tying field goal.

On offense, Washington’s poise was evident. He threaded a 32‑yard strike to wide receiver Eddie Morse for the opening touchdown, then followed with a 15‑yard scramble that showcased his physicality. The quarterback finished the half 2 for 2 in the red zone, a fact Locksley later highlighted as a sign of maturity in a player who’s still learning the college game’s speed.

Wisconsin tried to rally, scoring a lone touchdown in the third quarter, but Maryland’s defense, which Locksley described as “physical and disciplined,” forced a fourth‑quarter three‑and‑out that paved the way for a 10‑yard rushing TD by running back D’Andre Cole. The final minutes saw the Badgers attempt a late comeback, only to have their final drive stall on a fourth‑down attempt, sealing the Terrapins’ first road win over a Power Five opponent since 2022.

Malik Washington’s Record‑Breaking Start

True freshman Malik Washington has become the centerpiece of Maryland’s narrative. With 259.5 passing yards per game, he tops every FBS true freshman this season. His eight touchdown passes tie him with California’s Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele for the most by a true freshman in the first four games.

Washington’s 1,038 passing yards rank second among Power‑Conference freshmen since 2019, trailing only Arizona State’s 2019 phenom Jayden Daniels (1,073 yards). He also joins an elite club of only five Power‑Conference quarterbacks to record at least 80 completions in their first four games, a group that includes South Carolina’s Ryan Hilinski and Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola.

What makes Washington’s ascent special isn’t just the raw numbers; it’s the way he’s handling pressure. In the locker room after the Wisconsin win, he said, “Every snap feels like a chance to prove we belong here.” That confidence translates to the field, where his decision‑making on third‑down looks increasingly crisp – a metric Locksley noted still needs polishing, but the trend is positive.

Locksley’s Perspective and Future Outlook

In the post‑game press conference, a visibly emotional Mike Locksley praised his squad’s “heart.” He told reporters, “I can’t tell you how proud I am of you guys, man. When people doubt you, you prove them wrong.” He also warned against complacency, emphasizing that the team must improve red‑zone efficiency and third‑down conversions to compete with elite Big Ten programs.

Depth, however, remains a concern. “We don’t have the depth that we need to sustain this against the Big Ten,” Locksley admitted. He hinted at a possible shuffle on the offensive line, and stressed that the coaching staff will rely on “smart football” to make up for any talent gaps.

Locksmith’s optimism is rooted in the program’s trajectory. He pointed out that the Terrapins have blocked both a field goal and a punt in the same game for the first time since 2008 – a rare special‑teams feat that reflects meticulous preparation. “If you can do that against a team like Wisconsin, you’re doing something right,” he added.

What’s Next: Facing Washington (DC)

The next test arrives on October 4, 2025, when the Terrapins host the University of Washington Huskies at SECU Stadium in College Park. The Huskies, sitting at 3‑1, bring a balanced attack that could expose Maryland’s lingering defensive depth issues.

Locksley believes the young group’s lack of experience can be a strength. “Our young players don’t know what they don’t know, so we’ll keep emphasizing improvement every week,” he said. He expects Washington to continue his upward curve, noting the quarterback’s ability to extend plays will be crucial against Washington’s multi‑front defense.

Fans can tune in via the Big Ten Network at 3:30 PM, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric. The game will also be a litmus test for the Terrapins’ special‑teams unit, which hopes to replicate the double‑block heroics that helped silence the Badgers.

Historical Context: Maryland vs. Wisconsin

This victory revives a rivalry that dates back to the early 2000s, when Maryland’s last win in Madison came in 2015 under former coach Randy Edwards. The most famous matchup occurred in 1995, when quarterback Boomer Esiason led Maryland to a thrilling overtime win. That game remains a touchstone for Terrapin fans, and many in the crowd referenced it when the final whistle blew.

Since entering the Big Ten in 2014, Maryland has struggled to string together consecutive road wins against Power‑Five opponents. The 27‑10 triumph marks their first such road victory in four years, and it may serve as a turning point for a program still seeking its identity within the conference.