COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Prior to Saturday’s game against Florida Atlantic, Maryland football announced that Malik Washington would be its starting quarterback for the 2025 season.

For the first time since 2012, the Terps rolled out a true freshman quarterback in the season opener.

Washington’s start was rough, but he would soon find his footing and show potential to be Maryland’s next star quarterback.

“Once we got Malik settled down, I think we all are starting to see the making of what would be a very good quarterback here,” head coach Michael Locksley said.

The freshman quarterback finished his strong debut, throwing 27-of-43 for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Washington was the first Power Five true freshman quarterback to throw for three touchdowns since Trevor Lawrence in 2018.

Maryland rallied after a slow start to crush Florida Atlantic, 39-7, to gain its first win of the 2025 season.

“Happy and proud of this team back on the winning track after a long, hard camp where I really think these guys work their tails off, obviously, with that said, we still didn’t play our best,” Locksley said.

It was a tough start for Washington as his opening started at Maryland’s own 2-yard line.

Washington’s first two drives resulted in punts after gaining first downs.

Maryland’s defense produced the team’s first spark.

The Terps’ defensive line forced Florida Atlantic quarterback Caden Veltkamp to throw an interception to Daniel Wingate, who took it all the way for a touchdown.

“I seen the motion to three by one, bumped out and played the zone, and my D line made a great play, hit the quarterback, and I was able to get the pick and take it to the house,” Wingate said.

The Owls answered right away. Maryland’s defense blew multiple coverages and Florida Atlantic struck as Veltkamp found Asaad Waseem for a quick 27-yard touchdown pass.

The Terps’ defense stepped up again on a fourth-down stop and gave Maryland good field position. Washington still struggled and Maryland settled for a Sean O’Haire 49-yard field goal.

Maryland’s defense was firing on all cylinders as Dontay Joyner intercepted Veltkamp.

After a failed Maryland possession and a good punt, standout freshman Sidney Stewart sacked the Owls’ quarterback in the end zone to force Maryland’s first safety since 2019.

Washington found his groove and Maryland didn’t turn back.

“I started off a little slow, but as I felt myself, you know, getting to the game, got the first couple hits out, and after that, I was rolling,” Washington said.

The true freshman threw touchdown passes on three consecutive drives to pull away. Washington first found Shaleak Knotts for a 29-yard strike and wasn’t done there. He then found Kaleb Webb for another 29-yard strike and finished off the first half with a 9-yard touchdown to Tulane transfer Dorian Fleming.

Washington struggled to find his receivers early and his targets didn’t help him out, dropping passes on the opening drives.

After the Terps gained momentum from Stewart’s safety, the offense was fueled and the passing game found its form.

Maryland entered halftime with a 26-point lead. Despite early struggles, the Terps finished the half strong with both units thriving.

Washington finished the first half with 200 yards on 21-of-33 passing and three touchdowns.

“I’m resilient. I kind of knew that coming into it, but just being able to start off a little slower and work back and also learn that, having other people around me to support me and have that confidence in me helps me a lot,” Washington said.

Veltkamp, despite being the more experienced quarterback, struggled. The redshirt junior had 142 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in the first half.

The Terps started the second half with two consecutive field goals from O’Haire. The redshirt freshman kicker was strong in his first outing for the Terps.

Washington started the half for the Terps with two strong drives, but couldn’t put another touchdown on the board. He would exit after three drives as Maryland led by 32.

After Washington’s departure, Locksley switched between Khristian Martin and Justyn Martin for the remainder of the game.

Maryland’s defense fixed its early penalty troubles, despite it still being an issue.

“It’s our first game, I hate to have six penalties on the first drive on defense, and couple of them competitive penalties… I can deal with competitive penalties, but it’s just the byproduct of a new team,” Locksley said.

The Terps made several fourth-down stops and racked up six interceptions — most since 1998.

Maryland’s start on Saturday was shaky, but it quickly course-corrected its mistakes and revealed what the future could hold for the program.