Overview
- Washington and the program announced his 2026 return during a timeout at the men's basketball game against Michigan, following a jumbotron reveal.
- He set Maryland freshman records with 2,963 passing yards and 273 completions, threw 17 touchdowns, and became only the second Big Ten freshman since 1996 with at least 2,500 passing and 300 rushing yards.
- A Severn/Glen Burnie native and the No. 134 recruit in the 2025 class, Washington emphasized representing his home area and helping keep top in-state athletes at Maryland.
- The decision comes after a 4-8 season that ended with an eight-game skid; the school has confirmed Mike Locksley will return in 2026 for his eighth season.
- Coverage notes strong transfer portal and NIL pressures on top underclassmen, citing Taulia Tagovailoa's 2024 claim of a $1.5 million offer to switch schools as context.