A Local Phenom Begins a New Era in College Park

College Park, Md. – On Saturday, August 30, 2025, true freshman quarterback Malik Washington announced his arrival with authority as the Maryland Terrapins extended their non-conference home opener win streak to 14 games and 16th overall against non-conference opponents. The Terrapins defeated the Florida Atlantic University Owls 39-7 at SECU Stadium.

Not since Perry Hillis in 2012 has a true freshman opened the season under center at Maryland.

It’s Not How You Start, It’s How You Finish

Washington appeared to need to shake off the nerves. He started the game 3 for 11, but once the beat hit him, he let the rhythm take control, and he got hot by completing 24 of his next 32 passes, spreading the ball around, connecting with nine different receivers. 

After a 49-yard field goal by redshirt freshman place kicker Sean O’Haire (36) and freshman defensive lineman Sydney Steward (29), sacking FAU redshirt junior quarterback Caden Veltkamp (10) for a safety, the Terrapins were in fantastic field position.

Washington connected on his first career touchdown to senior wide receiver Shaleak Knotts (4) from 29 yards out.. Knotts finished with five receptions for 59 yards and that touchdown with 7:51 remaining in the second.

“We have been working hard since January, doing our own sessions of route timing, building trust, and who likes the football placed and where, ” Washington said. “I knew #4 liked his high and away, so I gave it to him there to make a play.” 

Washington followed with another 29-yard touchdown, redshirt junior wide receiver Kaleb Webb (84) on a back shoulder dime at 3:17 in the second. Washington’s third score was another back should fade to redshirt sophomore tight end Dorian Fleming (9) at 0:37 before the half. 

“The guys kept trusting me, my receivers made some great plays, amazing plays, touch catches, and that’s what they have been doing since January,” Washington said.

The Terrapins sealed the game, clipping the wings of the Owls with a 26-point second quarter, effectively putting the game away for Maryland.

Washington finished with three touchdowns, completing 27 of 43 passes for 258 yards and no turnovers, the most by a true freshman in Maryland history. 

A Playmaking Defense

But let’s not forget that there are some dogs on the defensive side of the ball. The Terrapins held the Owls to an average of 3.8 yards per play with six interceptions.

The standout on defense was junior linebacker Daniel Wingate (1), who made plays all over the field, showcasing why he was named a team captain for this game. 

“Daniel Wingate is a warrior, and we are very fortunate to have him around here,”  said Maryland Head Coach Mike Locksley. 

Wingate totaled 10 tackles, a tackle for loss, and an interception return of 20 yards for the first score of the game. 

“I hate comparisons, but I was around here for a guy that wore number 42 and played heavy-handed and physical in E.J. Henderson, one of our most decorated players. I would say he is in that category,” Locksley explained.

It wasn’t all roses for Maryland as the team committed 14 penalties for 100 yards, an aspect of the game they look to correct when they retake the field on Friday at 7:30 pm against the Northern Illinois Huskies at SECU Stadium live on Peacock. 

Fear and ego come from the same place and that is external and we don’t deal with the external we deal with the internal – Mike Locksley