Maryland Football Suffers Disappointing Loss to Virginia Tech

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Maryland Football Suffers Disappointing Loss to Virginia Tech

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The Maryland Terrapins football team, led by head coach Michael Locksley in his eighth year, experienced a significant defeat on Saturday, September 20, 2026, falling to Virginia Tech 35-26 at SECU Stadium. This loss marked the end of Maryland’s impressive 20-game non-conference winning streak, which had been the longest in the nation.

Despite a strong offensive showing from Maryland quarterback Malik Washington, who threw for 359 yards and three touchdowns, the Terrapins were unable to overcome Virginia Tech’s consistent performance. Virginia Tech quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer completed 31 of 39 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns, also adding an 18-yard rushing touchdown. The Hokies’ success on third downs, converting 10 of 16 attempts, was a critical factor in their victory.

The game, played in front of a sold-out home crowd, saw the student section largely disperse after Virginia Tech extended its lead in the third quarter, reflecting a trend of disappointing outcomes in significant home games under Locksley. This loss puts further pressure on Coach Locksley, whose team had a 1-8 Big Ten record in 2025 and was 1-6 in conference play entering this week. While Locksley guided the Terrapins to three consecutive bowl victories from 2021-2023, the team has faced challenges in recent seasons, including back-to-back 4-8 finishes in 2024 and 2025. Maryland Athletic Director Jim Smith expressed continued support for Locksley in November 2025, committing to increased financial resources for the program. The Terrapins are scheduled to open Big Ten play next week against UCLA.

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