{
  "id": 11678536,
  "title": "What’s Wrong With Maryland Football?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/whats-wrong-with-maryland-football",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T12:06:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/wrong-maryland-football-120628714.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Maryland's football program is currently facing significant challenges, with head coach Mike Locksley struggling to turn around a team that has been struggling for years. Despite his previous success, including three consecutive bowl game victories and a national championship as an assistant, Locksley has seen his team finish 4-8 in the 2024 season, with only two wins against Big Ten opponents.\n\nLocksley's tenure at Maryland has been marked by his deep connections to the school and his ability to attract top talent. He was one of the original two holdovers from the university's staff when it was under the leadership of Ralph Friedgen, and he was known for his talent for connecting with recruits. However, his own coaching career has been marked by a failed attempt at head coach at New Mexico and a stint as interim coach at Maryland.\n\nThe program has faced numerous setbacks in recent years, including the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair, financial struggles, and a transition to the Big Ten. Despite these challenges, Locksley was able to turn the program around, culminating in three consecutive bowl game victories and a national championship with quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. However, the departure of Tagovailoa and several other key players has led to a significant regression in performance.\n\nThe team's recent performances have been abysmal, with losses to Virginia Tech and UCLA showing a lack of preparation and depth. The buyout for Locksley's contract will cost the school nearly $10 million, and the athletic department is already struggling financially. With no clear successor in place and a lack of resources, the future of Maryland football remains uncertain.",
  "summary": "This is our weekly Q&A with our upcoming college football opponents. I asked our Maryland SB Nation site, Testudo Times, just two questions. Their head dude in charge, Nolan Rogalski, answered.. Questions: Answer: Maryland football is in a real predicament right now. Their coach, who was signed to a five-year extension to make roughly $6 […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Head coach Mike Locksley failed to improve struggling Maryland team.",
    "Key players departure led to regression in team performance.",
    "Buyout costs nearly $10 million, contributing to financial struggles."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}