(Photo credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)

Despite a six-game losing streak, Maryland coach Mike Locksley will return for the 2026 season, athletic director Jim Smith said on Sunday.

The Terrapins went 4-8 in 2024 and rebounded to win their first four games this season before falling on hard times. Maryland has been outscored 114-36 in its last three games, including Saturday's 24-6 road loss against Illinois.

Smith said the university needs to increase financial support for the program.

'Coach Locksley needs -- and deserves -- the full support of our department, our university, and all of Terp Nation,' Smith said in an open letter addressed to Terp Nation. 'We are fully committed to giving him and our student-athletes the resources and investments necessary to succeed. I have worked closely with Coach Locksley to rapidly strengthen our NIL support for 2026 and beyond, with a clear and focused effort on roster retention, recruiting, and being highly competitive in the transfer portal.'

Locksley, 55, has a 37-47 record in eight seasons at the school, including a six-game interim stint in 2015. He guided the Terrapins to three straight bowl victories (2021-23) before the dropoff. His contract runs through the 2027 season.

Last season, Maryland was just 1-8 in Big Ten play. This season, the Terrapins are 1-6 in conference play entering Saturday's home contest against Michigan.

Smith, who became AD six months ago, said a deep review of the football program will occur after the season.

'At the conclusion of the season, Coach Locksley, senior deputy athletic director Diana Sabau and I will review every aspect of our football program to make sure we are focused on getting the right type of resources in the right places to build a successful football program in this new era of college football.'

The team's 4-0 start included a 27-10 win over Wisconsin in its Big Ten opener.

Maryland hasn't recorded a double-digit winning season since Ralph Friedgen led the Terrapins to 10 or more victories in three straight seasons from 2001-03.

--Field Level Media