For the second consecutive offseason, Maryland football is tasked with identifying its starting quarterback as head coach Mike Locksley welcomes a revamped room heading into 2025. Days after Billy Edwards Jr. made the decision to enter the transfer portal amid interest from several Power Four schools before inking with Wisconsin, Maryland made its move on former UCLA quarterback Justyn Martin before bringing him in for a midweek visit. Martin was locked in with the program by the time he left campus the morning of Dec. 21, one day before the program announced his signing.
“Just coach Locksley’s proven development with multiple quarterbacks, that really stuck out to me. How much they pass the football is obviously eye-catching to a quarterback and the efficiency they’ve had over the years. And with Billy leaving, I knew they’d need a quarterback ready to come in and compete. I feel good with this staff, that they can develop me into the player I want to be and help my game grow,” Martin told IBG.
The Big Ten transfer filled the room as the upperclassman the room needed, though fans have looked ahead to blue-chip quarterback and 2025 signee, Malik Washington, as he’s set to enroll with the program next week. The three-time MIAA-champ and Maryland’s Gatorade Player of the Year announced his commitment to Maryland back in late June with Syracuse Virginia Tech among the suitors in the mix, but head coach Mike Locksley spearheaded efforts to lock down the future at the position. While Washington became the all-time conference leader in passing yards as a senior, fans began speculating whether the incoming freshman would ultimately win his first quarterback competition.
ESPN went around the country to project the starting quarterback for each program, though, picking Martin to fill the shoes left vacant by Billy Edwards.
“The Terrapins, looking to replace Billy Edwards Jr. (Wisconsin transfer), made Martin a priority in the transfer portal and beat Florida for the 6-foot-4, 220-pound quarterback,” ESPN wrote. “Martin appeared in just five games across three seasons at UCLA. He made his first career start and went 22-for-30 with 167 yards and a touchdown in a 27-11 loss to Penn State on Oct. 5. Edwards emerged as a breakout star in his first season as a starter in 2024, and Maryland will hope Martin can make a similar leap working with offensive coordinator Josh Gattis.”
Maryland also returns Khristian Martin, Champ Long and Jayden Sauray heading into spring ball while Manvel (TX) QB Jackson Hamilton joins Washington as the two incoming high school signees at the position, but ESPN unsurprisingly pointed to the Spalding product as Martin’s biggest competition.
“The Terrapins landed a key in-state addition with the signing of four-star 2025 quarterback Malik Washington. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Washington, ESPN's No. 217 prospect in 2025, is viewed as a future Power 4 starter and could be called upon early if Martin struggles in the starting job.”
Washington wrapped up his high school career at the Under Armour All-America game to begin the new year where he finished 9-of-19 for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
“I like building. That's me as a person,” Washington said about his decision to play for Spalding. “I'm not really one for going to places that are already established. I like to help build things up because I feel like that's how you really cement your legacy. Now that the high school career is over, whenever you think of Spalding I'll always be remembered there just because of the things me and my team did and that's the best thing for me.”
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