Maryland Basketball 2025-26: Kevin Willard's Turnaround in College Park
Maryland basketball hasn't been a national power since the Gary Williams era. But Kevin Willard might be changing that. The Terps are having their best season in years, and the XFINITY Center is rocking again. Here's what's working and whether it can last.
The Willard effect
Kevin Willard came to Maryland from Seton Hall, where he built a consistent tournament program out of basically nothing. He inherited a Maryland team that was mediocre, and his first two seasons were about laying the foundation — installing his system, recruiting his guys, and changing the culture.
This season, it's all coming together. Maryland is 21-8, they're in the top 25, and they're a lock for the tournament. More importantly, they're playing with an identity. Willard's teams are tough, disciplined, and smart. They don't beat themselves.
The biggest change is on defense. Maryland is 15th nationally in defensive efficiency, which is a huge jump from last year. Willard has always been a defensive-minded coach, and it took time to get the right personnel to run his system. Now he has it.
Key players
Jahmir Young is the leader. The 6'1" senior guard is averaging 15 points and 5 assists, and he's the best decision-maker on the team. He's not flashy, but he's steady, and that's exactly what you need from your point guard in big games.
Donta Scott is the veteran. The 6'7" forward has been at Maryland for five years, and he's played in every situation imaginable. He's averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds, and his experience is invaluable in close games.
Julian Reese is the athletic big. He's 6'9" with elite bounce, and he's averaging 14 points and 8 rebounds. He's the best rim protector on the team, and his ability to play above the rim gives Maryland an edge in the paint.
The bench is solid but not deep. DeShawn Harris-Smith is a freshman wing who's shown flashes, and Jahari Long is a reliable backup guard. But Maryland is mostly a seven-man rotation, which could be a problem in the tournament.
The Big Ten is a war zone
Maryland is in the middle of the Big Ten race. They're not going to win the conference — Purdue and Illinois are too good — but they're solidly in the tournament field. They've beaten Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Nebraska, and they've only lost to ranked teams.
The toughest part of the schedule is done. Maryland has three games left, and two of them are at home. If they can win out, they'll enter the Big Ten tournament with momentum and a good seed.
Tournament potential
Maryland is a 5-seed or 6-seed right now. They have enough quality wins to be in comfortably, and their metrics support a decent seed. The question is whether they can make a run.
The strengths are defense and experience. Maryland doesn't give up easy baskets, and their veterans know how to win tight games. That matters in March.
The weaknesses are depth and three-point shooting. Maryland only goes seven deep, which means their starters have to play a lot of minutes. And they're shooting 33% from three, which is below average. In a single-elimination tournament, one bad shooting night can end your season.
The bigger picture
This season is proof that Kevin Willard can coach at a high level. Maryland is back in the conversation, the recruiting is improving, and the program has an identity again. That's significant.
Maryland has always had the resources — the arena, the location, the fanbase. They just needed a coach who could put it all together. Willard seems like that guy. If he can build on this season, Maryland could be a consistent top-25 program again.
But first things first: they need to make a tournament run. Maryland fans have been waiting a long time for a deep run in March. This team has the talent and the toughness to do it. Now they just need to execute.