EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Maryland’s offense continued its fast start to the 2026 season Saturday, and the Terrapins once again found plenty of ways to keep the scoreboard moving.
After opening the season with a 62-point performance against Hampton, Maryland produced another impressive offensive showing in a 38-14 victory over Connecticut before 34,494 fans at Pratt & Whitney Stadium.
The Huskies struck first, grabbing a 7-0 advantage in the opening quarter. Maryland, however, quickly turned the game around.
The Terrapins scored on six of their next eight possessions, finding the end zone five times while adding a field goal to take control of the game.
Maryland improved to 2-0, while UConn dropped to 1-1.
Sophomore quarterback Malik Washington was at the center of the offensive attack. Washington completed 34 of 41 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns while repeatedly finding open receivers as Maryland controlled the pace of the game.
At one point, Washington completed 18 consecutive passes.
“Malik was really efficient today,” Maryland coach Michael Locksley said. “I am proud of this team. I told them this would be an audit for us. I thought we did a good job of taking care of business.”
Washington Keeps the Ball Moving
Washington’s accuracy allowed Maryland to distribute the ball throughout the offense.
The quarterback completed passes to eight different receivers, preventing UConn from focusing on any one target.
Chris Durr Jr. produced a career performance, catching 10 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding was equally productive, finishing with eight receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown.
The balanced passing attack gave Maryland consistent production and helped the Terrapins sustain long possessions.
Washington was especially effective coming out of halftime. He completed his first 16 attempts of the second half, gaining 138 yards and throwing a touchdown as Maryland repeatedly moved into UConn territory.
Terps Establish the Ground Game
Maryland wasn’t dependent solely on Washington’s arm.
Harry Dalton III added two rushing touchdowns and finished with 48 yards on the ground, giving the Terrapins another way to attack the Huskies’ defense.
The combination of an efficient passing game and timely rushing production kept UConn from settling into a defensive rhythm.
Locksley emphasized that Maryland’s offensive identity isn’t simply about playing as fast as possible.
“We’re always going to be a multi-tempo offense,” Locksley said. “With us and a guy like Malik, getting him in the rhythm is really important. It is more flow than tempo.”
The Terrapins ran 78 offensive plays, coming close to the 80-play target Locksley has established for his offense.
“When you have as many playmakers as we have on offense and the diversity of how we spread the ball around, you won’t get enough plays if you play slow,” Locksley said.
Maryland Defense Shuts Down Huskies’ Running Game
While the offense provided the highlights, Maryland’s defense also played a major role in the victory.
UConn quarterback Kalieb Osborne finished 10-of-21 passing for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Osborne also led the Huskies in rushing, carrying 13 times for 30 yards.
Maryland’s defense largely eliminated UConn’s traditional rushing attack, limiting the Huskies to just 67 yards on 31 carries.
After allowing UConn to score first, the Terrapins settled down and prevented the Huskies from maintaining the momentum they created early in the game.
Maryland Extends Nonconference Streak
The victory also added another chapter to one of the nation’s longest active streaks.
Maryland has now won 20 consecutive nonconference games, the longest active streak in the FBS.
For UConn, the result brought an end to a nine-game home winning streak at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. The Huskies had not lost at home since falling to Wake Forest in October 2024.
Maryland now returns home for its next challenge, hosting Virginia Tech next Saturday.
UConn will look to rebound on the road against Southern Mississippi.
For the Terrapins, the early-season formula is already becoming clear: efficient quarterback play, a deep group of offensive weapons and an offense capable of controlling the game from start to finish.
At 2-0, Maryland has plenty of momentum heading into the next stage of its schedule.
