Maryland Football Secures Freshman Stars Mathis and Stewart for 2026

Maryland football has received significant news just in time for the holiday season, as star freshmen Zahir Mathis and Sidney Stewart confirmed their return to College Park for the 2026 season. Mathis, an edge rusher, made his announcement on December 25, 2023, followed by Stewart, who shared his decision early on December 29. Their commitment ensures that Maryland retains its top three freshmen talents, with quarterback Malik Washington also set to return next season.

“I wanted to come here to play with Malik Washington and Sidney Stewart,” Mathis stated in a video posted on social media. He expressed gratitude for the mentorship he received from head coach Mike Locksley, noting that Locksley has been pivotal in his development as a player and leader.

Both Mathis and Stewart showcased their skills last season, leading the team in sacks with seven and 6.5, respectively. Stewart’s performance was particularly notable, as he finished just half a sack shy of tying the Big Ten record for the most sacks by a freshman, previously held by Ohio State’s star player Joey Bosa. Their impressive contributions earned them honorable mentions on the All-Big Ten team.

Renewed Optimism for Maryland Football

The announcements come on the heels of athletic director Jim Smith reaffirming his commitment to enhancing resources for the football program, which he emphasized during Locksley’s announcement of his return for an eighth season. Despite a challenging 4-8 record in consecutive seasons, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding Maryland football, driven by a promising sophomore core that includes Washington, Mathis, and Stewart.

“I have worked closely with Coach Locksley to rapidly strengthen our NIL support for 2026 and beyond,” Smith mentioned in an open letter in November. He highlighted a focused effort on roster retention, recruiting, and competitiveness in the transfer portal as key areas of enhancement for the program.

Mathis, hailing from Philadelphia and a former player at Imhotep Charter, had initially committed to Ohio State before flipping to Maryland in February. Washington played a crucial role in this decision, reconnecting Mathis with the Maryland program after his decommitment last November.

A Dynamic Duo and Future Prospects

Washington’s influence extended further when he contacted Locksley during the Under Armour All-America Game in January, expressing that Mathis was interested in visiting Maryland. “He’s a byproduct of the relationship that Malik Washington had with him,” Locksley reflected. “We spent some really quality time, met grandma, who was really important to him, and he made the decision to be a Terp.”

Stewart, known affectionately as “The Bull,” has become a fan favorite, celebrating his sacks with a distinctive dance. His return continues a trend of local talent choosing to stay in Maryland after attending Concordia Prep in Towson. He shared his announcement with a clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street,” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio’s famous “I’m not leaving” scene, which resonated with Terps supporters.

Next season, Mathis and Stewart are set to form a formidable trio with Zion Elee, a highly-rated recruit from St. Frances Academy and the top player in Maryland. Locksley has described Elee as a versatile edge rusher capable of making an immediate impact.

The confirmations from Mathis and Stewart undoubtedly alleviate concerns among Maryland fans following the previous season’s challenges. Their continued development alongside new talent bodes well for the future of Maryland football as they seek to improve on past performances.