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The Maryland Terrapins have locked in their non-conference schedule for the 2025-26 campaign, marking the second year under head coach Buzz Williams. The slate includes seven contests at Xfinity Center, two additional games in the DMV area, and a Thanksgiving week trip to Las Vegas for the Players Era Festival, where they could play up to four games depending on results.
The season tips off on Monday, November 2, against Patriot League member Bucknell. Maryland holds a perfect 9-0 all-time record against the Bison, with the last meeting occurring two years ago. Five days later, the Terps will travel to Washington, D.C., to face regional rival Georgetown. The Hoyas upset Maryland in last season's home opener, and this marks the first time the series shifts to Georgetown's arena in a decade.
Virginia, another historic rival, will be the third opponent, continuing the series revived last year. The Terps have struggled against the Cavaliers, losing nine of the last ten meetings, including the most recent matchup in Charlottesville. Alcorn State and Wagner round out the early stretch, with Maryland holding a 4-0 record against both programs. Alcorn State makes its fourth straight trip to College Park, while Wagner visits for the fourth time overall.
Key Analysis
The Las Vegas tournament presents both opportunity and complexity. Maryland opens against Tennessee, a likely AP Top 25 team, in a 16-team bracket. Depending on outcomes, they could face San Diego State or Iowa State next, with a potential path to the semifinals on Black Friday and the championship game the following day. If the Terps win three consecutive games to reach the final, they might need to cancel a home game to stay within the NCAA's 32-game limit. Otherwise, December home contests against American, Morgan State, and Radford are set, along with a de facto home game in Baltimore against South Carolina. The Big Ten schedule, including two December conference games, will be announced later.
Last season, Maryland finished 7-4 in non-conference play, and this year's slate again features multiple power conference opponents. Early Quad 2 and 3 victories will be vital for building an NCAA Tournament resume, especially with the field expanding to 76 teams. A slow start, as seen last year, could put the Terps in a difficult position. However, the roster has been bolstered by five-star freshman Baba Oladotun, six transfers, and the return of key players like Pharrel Payne and Andre Mills, providing optimism for a stronger campaign.