Maryland Football Secures Top Freshmen: Stewart and Mathis Return

Maryland football fans received exciting news this holiday season as two standout freshmen, Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis, announced their returns to College Park for the 2026 season. This announcement follows earlier confirmation from fellow freshman quarterback Malik Washington, solidifying Maryland’s core as it looks to improve after a challenging 4-8 season.

Returning Talent Boosts Team Prospects

On Christmas Day, Mathis took to social media to declare his decision, stating, “I wanted to come here to play with Malik Washington and Sidney Stewart. Coach Locksley showed me the ropes and took me under his wing. He inspires me to come here and show that I’m a leader.” Stewart echoed Mathis’s commitment shortly thereafter, reinforcing the trio’s determination to enhance Maryland’s competitive edge.

Both players made significant contributions during their freshman year, with Mathis leading the team in sacks with 7 and Stewart following closely with 6.5. Stewart was just half a sack away from tying the Big Ten record for freshmen, held by Joey Bosa of Ohio State. Their impressive performances earned them honorable mentions on the All-Big Ten team.

The players’ return aligns with the vision of Maryland’s athletic director Jim Smith, who has committed to providing additional resources to the football program. In a recent open letter, Smith highlighted efforts to strengthen name, image, and likeness (NIL) support, focusing on roster retention and competitive recruiting strategies, especially in the transfer portal.

Strong Foundations and Future Prospects

Despite enduring a second consecutive disappointing season, there is renewed optimism surrounding Maryland football. The return of essential players like Washington, Mathis, and Stewart, combined with increased support for the program, positions Maryland for potential success in the upcoming season.

Mathis, who hails from Philadelphia and attended Imhotep Charter, initially committed to Ohio State before switching to Maryland in February. His decision was significantly influenced by his relationship with Washington, who reached out to facilitate Mathis’s visit and subsequent commitment. Head coach Mike Locksley remarked on the importance of personal connections in recruiting, noting the impact of family and friendships on player decisions.

Stewart, affectionately known as “The Bull” for his spirited celebrations after sacks, has captured the hearts of Terps fans. He demonstrated his commitment to the program by sharing a clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street,” famously proclaiming, “I’m not leaving.” This sentiment reflects a growing trend of local talent choosing to remain in Maryland after high school, with Stewart having attended Concordia Prep in Towson.

Looking ahead, Mathis and Stewart are set to be joined by top recruit Zion Elee from St. Frances Academy, recognized as the number one player in Maryland and the highest-rated recruit in the program’s history. Locksley has described Elee as a versatile pass rusher with the potential to make an immediate impact on the field.

The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Maryland football as the returning freshmen look to build on their successes and contribute to a brighter future for the program. With strengthened support and a talented roster, fans have much to look forward to as the Terrapins aim to turn their fortunes around.