COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland opened its season with a statement performance, overwhelming Hampton on both sides of the football and cruising to a 62-0 victory Saturday night.
The Terrapins established control almost immediately, piling up 646 yards of total offense while holding Hampton to just 85 yards. Maryland’s rushing attack accounted for six touchdowns, while the defense recorded five sacks and three interceptions in a dominant performance.
The victory also snapped a painful eight-game losing streak that carried over from the end of last season and gave Maryland its first win in more than 11 months.
“We were pleased with how we executed today in all three facets of the game,” Maryland coach Michael Locksley said. “We were able to establish the run early.”
Williams Provides an Instant Spark
DeJuan Williams needed only one carry to make history.
The Maryland running back broke through the Hampton defense for a 94-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter, immediately putting the Terrapins in front.
It was the second-longest rushing touchdown in Maryland history, trailing only Steve Atkins’ 98-yard touchdown run against Clemson in 1978.
Williams described the play simply.
“It was a little duo play,” he said. “I just seen a crease as soon as I touched the ball. I hit it, and then I went from there.”
Williams wasn’t finished.
He later added an 8-yard touchdown run and finished the night with 116 yards on only three carries, averaging an eye-popping 38.7 yards per attempt.
Terrapins Turn Ground Game Into a Rout
Maryland’s rushing attack continued to overwhelm Hampton throughout the night.
Iverson Howard found the end zone twice, scoring on runs of 11 and 8 yards, with his touchdowns coming on either side of halftime.
Harry Dalton III added a 9-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, while Jianni Davis capped the scoring with a 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth.
The Terrapins repeatedly created running lanes and consistently turned them into explosive gains, allowing Maryland to build a lead that Hampton never threatened.
Quarterbacks Spread the Ball Around
Maryland also received production through the air.
Malik Washington had an uneven start but eventually settled into a rhythm, connecting with Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding for a 10-yard touchdown pass that pushed the score to 34-0 before halftime.
DeJuan Williams added another dimension from the quarterback position, throwing a 16-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Scott in the third quarter.
Maryland’s ability to generate points through multiple players made it difficult for Hampton to slow down the Terrapins.
Defense Delivers a Shutout
The biggest takeaway from Maryland’s opening-night performance may have been the defense.
The Terrapins completely suffocated Hampton, limiting the Pirates to just 85 total yards and keeping them off the scoreboard.
Maryland’s pass rush produced five sacks, while the secondary came away with three interceptions.
After finishing last season with a 4-8 record, Maryland will need significant improvement defensively if it hopes to make a move in the Big Ten. Saturday’s performance provided an encouraging first step.
Hampton Gets a Lesson Against Power Four Competition
Hampton entered the game with confidence after opening the season with a 45-0 victory over Virginia-Lynchburg.
But the Pirates faced a dramatically different challenge against Maryland in their first-ever matchup with a Power Four opponent.
Hampton managed only 85 yards and struggled to handle the speed and physicality of the Terrapins.
Coach Van Malone acknowledged that his young players were exposed to a different level of competition.
“I think that our players as they got into the game, they realized, ‘It’s a little faster than I’ve ever seen before,’” Malone said. “But that’s OK. Sometimes when you put young people in environments like this, it may not look pretty good at this moment.”
Malone added that the experience could ultimately become a learning opportunity for his team.
Maryland Extends Nation’s Longest Nonconference Streak
Saturday’s victory also extended one of the most impressive active streaks in college football.
Maryland has now won 19 consecutive nonconference games, the longest such streak in the FBS.
Oregon entered the weekend second nationally with 16 straight nonconference victories.
The Terrapins also finally put an end to a much less welcome streak, earning their first victory since last season after losing their final eight games of 2025.
The Takeaway
Hampton: The Pirates received a harsh introduction to Power Four football. After dominating Virginia-Lynchburg in their opener, Hampton couldn’t generate anything offensively against Maryland and will have to use Saturday’s experience as a teaching tool moving forward.
Maryland: The Terrapins checked nearly every box in their season opener. The running game produced six touchdowns, the offense generated 646 yards and the defense recorded five sacks and three interceptions while pitching a shutout. After a 4-8 campaign, Maryland couldn’t have asked for a more convincing start.
What’s Next?
Hampton returns home Saturday to host Bryant as the Pirates look to rebound.
Maryland will hit the road for its next game, traveling to Connecticut on Saturday to face UConn.
