Maryland's Midfield Maestros: A Formidable Linebacker Core for the 2026 Season
Bolstering the Ranks: Maryland's Linebacker Evolution from 2025 to 2026
As the Maryland football season approaches, attention turns to the enhanced strength of its linebacker unit. Unlike the beginning of 2025, when the team lacked starting experience at this crucial position, the 2026 roster boasts significant on-field exposure. Although only one starter from last season remains, the collective playing time and improved quality across the depth chart place the Terrapins in a much stronger defensive posture for the upcoming season.
Navigating Departures and Embracing New Talent in the Linebacker Unit
The linebacker group has seen some changes, with Keyshawn Flowers and Michael Harris transferring out. Harris, whose role diminished after a strong 2024 season, moved to USF, while Flowers is still seeking a new team after entering the transfer portal in June. Despite these exits, second-year inside linebackers coach Zac Spavital is tasked with harnessing a diverse and talented unit within the Big Ten. He faces the challenge of integrating new faces and managing intense competition for playing time.
Maryland's 2026 Linebacker Roster: A Blend of Experience and Potential
The 2026 linebacker depth chart features a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers. Daniel Wingate, a senior, leads the group with an impressive 102 tackles and 1 INT in 12 starts during 2025. Sophomore Carlton Smith contributed 64 tackles and 1 INT in 12 games (1 start). Junior Trey Reddick, with 10 starts and 53 tackles, adds significant experience. New additions include Redshirt Senior Stephen Dean III, a transfer from VMI with 117 tackles, Redshirt Junior Darius Grimes, Redshirt Sophomore Keyari James (returning from injury), Redshirt Freshman Travares Daniels II, Redshirt Junior Chris Wells, Redshirt Sophomore Kellen McConnell, Redshirt Senior Jordan Williams (a former basketball player), and 4-star freshman Kaden Carter. This diverse group forms a competitive and promising lineup for the Terrapins.
The Proven Performers: High-Impact Veterans Leading the Linebacker Core
Maryland's returning linebackers demonstrated their capabilities in 2025, collectively accumulating 23 starts, a significant increase from the single start recorded by the previous season's returning players. Daniel Wingate, Carlton Smith, and Trey Reddick each surpassed 50 tackles and frequently played together, showcasing their collective strength and synergy on the field.
Daniel Wingate: A Dominant Force at Inside Linebacker
Daniel Wingate stands out as a top-tier linebacker in the Big Ten, evident from his commanding physical presence at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, making him taller than his peers. He took on the leadership role as the green dot wear in all 12 games last season, consistently making his presence felt. Wingate became the first Maryland player since Tre Watson in 2018 to exceed 100 tackles, highlighting his exceptional performance and impact.
Carlton Smith: Emerging Talent and Run Defense Specialist
Despite only one start as a true freshman, Carlton Smith enters the current season with high expectations for increased playing time, having recorded 41 solo tackles in 2025. While his pass coverage needs improvement, Smith proved to be a reliable presence in the open field for the Terrapins. His strong PFF grades of 76 for run defense and 81.5 for overall tackling indicate his potential to be a crucial support system against the run, particularly for a defensive tackle unit that faced challenges in Big Ten play last year.
Trey Reddick: Versatility and Aggression on the Weak Side
Trey Reddick is poised to be an ideal complement to Smith on the weak side, having demonstrated strong performance in pass coverage and generating critical pressure in passing situations during his sophomore year. Reddick accumulated 5.5 tackles for loss in 2025 and was highly effective in defending short out routes. If he can temper his overly aggressive tackling, which led to multiple ejections last season, Reddick could provide the essential spark needed in the WILL linebacker position for Maryland.
Unconventional Paths: New Recruits Adding Depth and Talent
Coach Spavital's offseason recruiting efforts brought in a unique trio of players, each with an unusual journey to College Park. After acquiring only two three-star freshmen last year, with limited playing time for one, the Terrapins shifted their strategy to target high-upside transfers and prestigious high school prospects to enhance their defensive depth.
Kaden Carter: A Highly-Rated Freshman with Track Speed
Kaden Carter is the sole high school recruit joining Maryland's linebacker unit, likely due to the existing depth at the top of the roster. However, Carter's exceptional prestige as the third-highest ranked linebacker recruit in team history could earn him playing time. His background in high school track should enable him to adapt quickly to either a weakside or strongside backup role, leveraging his speed and athleticism.
Stephen Dean III: A Veteran Presence from VMI
Stephen Dean III joins the Terrapins for his final year of eligibility after an outstanding season at the Virginia Military Institute. As a mike linebacker, he recorded an impressive 117 tackles last season, ranking 13th nationally, and provided excellent support against both rushing and passing plays. His experience and productivity are expected to be a valuable asset to Maryland's defense.
Jordan Williams: From Hardwood to Gridiron
Jordan Williams' path to Maryland is one of the most unconventional. Originally recruited by Maryland men's basketball coach Buzz Williams as a guard for Rice, he is now returning to football, a sport he hasn't played since high school, after limited success on the basketball court. His playing time on the gridiron is expected to be minimal initially, as he transitions back to football.
Competing for Roles: The Battle for Depth and Playing Time
With an abundance of talent throughout the depth chart, many highly-regarded players will be vying for platoon positions or any available snaps. Travares Daniels II and Darius Grimes exemplify this competitive scenario; Grimes, a lineman-linebacker hybrid, primarily played on special teams, while Daniels only saw six snaps in his first year and is now focused on proving his worth in his second season at Maryland.
Promising Reserves: Injury Comebacks and Emerging Talents
Keyari James showed great potential after a solid freshman season in 2024 but missed the entire following season due to injury. He is now looking to secure a significant number of reps in a reserve capacity. Similarly, Chris Wells and Kellen McConnell are eager to make their on-field debut as Terrapins, with their remaining eligibility ticking down, adding further competition and depth to the linebacker group.
