Maryland football caps off its 2025 season on Saturday in Detroit.

As the Terps take on Michigan State, this season has been tricky for both teams. The Terps and Spartans have a combined one Big Ten win.

Both teams saw their coaches land in some hot water, but both will likely return next season. 

As for Saturday, it is the last time the Terps will run out this roster. Many seniors will not be returning and because Maryland will likely not appear in a bowl game, many players could transfer out of the 

Maryland is unlikely to reach bowl contention, but not completely eliminated. The Terps won’t reach six wins, but a 5-7 team can make a bowl game if there aren’t enough six-win bowl-eligible teams. 

From that perspective, Saturday’s game is important and the Terps would look to end the season on the right foot heading into 2026. 

Michigan State has had a rough season

The Spartans have struggled this season to win games and is on an eight-game losing streak in Big Ten play. 

Head coach Jonathan Smith is in his second season at Michigan State and led the Spartans to wins over Iowa and Maryland last season. 

That said, Michigan State has taken a step back this season. But the Spartans have been competitive in most of its losses — being within two scores of Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Nebraska and USC. 

Starting quarterback Aidan Chiles hasn’t played in the last three games and it’s unclear if he’ll play against Maryland. Redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic has started the last three games for the Spartans and has appeared in eight games this season. Both quarterbacks have been solid and combine for 16 touchdowns and five interceptions.

The Spartans average 216.364 yards through the air per game. 

The Spartans’ rushing attack is a three-headed monster with Makhi Frazier, Elijah Tau-Tolliver and Brandon Tullis. Michigan State’s running backs combined for 1,108 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the season. 

At receiver, Nick Marsh and Omari Kelly have been huge forces for the Spartans — they combine for 1,127 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

On defense, Jordan Hall and Wayne Matthews III are Michigan State’s key linebackers. This duo has combined for 149 tackles and two interceptions. 

Alex Vansumeren has been Michigan State’s key defensive lineman — he has 48 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the season. 

Malcolm Bell and Malik Spencer have been key defensive backs for the Spartans, combining for 87 tackles, eight tackles for loss and one interception. 

Michigan State allows 30.09 points per game and only scores 23.36 points per game. 

One last ride for the Terps.

The Terps have lost seven in a row.

The last four losses have been by 15 or more.

Maryland has been completely demoralized, but looks to find life in its final ride of 2025.

Head coach Michael Locksley will return next season and the Terps will like to earn a win to build on heading into next season. 

Freshman quarterback Malik Washington has been one of Maryland’s biggest bright spots this season. Heading into the final game, Washington has thrown for 2,504, 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

At 7 p.m. from Ford Field, Washington will look to put a bow on an impressive freshman season.