Maryland Transfer Portal Losses: 3 impact players Mike Locksley lost during winter window ft. Roman Hemby

The Maryland Terrapins have had a tough time in the transfer portal. After finishing the season with a disappointing 4-8 record, including winning a single conference game, the programs lost 21 players in the transfer portal.

While there has been an exodus, perhaps there are reasons for optimism in College Park. The Terps landed former 4-star quarterback Justyn Martin from UCLA. They are also reported to be close to signing Central Connecticut tackle Rahtrel Perry.

Despite those moves, Maryland coach Mike Locksley still has his work cut out for him. In a tough Big Ten, the Terps need to keep adding talent or could be looking at a long season after the departures of so many players.

After an underwhelming season, Locksley's seat could get red-hot if the team doesn't improve quickly. Here are three players Maryland could miss heading into the 2025 season.

3 impact players Maryland lost in the transfer portal

Billy Edwards Jr. battled with a thumb injury late in the season. - Source: Imagn

#3. Jonathan Akins, Cornerback

While only a freshman, Jonathan Akins is a top athlete. Besides playing football, he ran track and played basketball, and was expected to help the Terrapins secondary for years to come.

Akins was considered the 78th-best cornerback coming out of high school. However, he was mainly used on special teams coverage units in Maryland. While he didn’t see the field much finishing with two tackles in 2024, the Madison, Florida native could have helped the Terps' pass defense, which ranked 104th in the nation last season.

#2. Billy Edwards Jr., Quarterback

While the addition of Justyn Martin helps soften the blow, the quarterback room will go through a lot of changes in College Park. Billy Edwards, MJ Morris and Cameron Edge are all leaving the program. Edwards' exit is the most noteworthy.

The junior from Springfield, Virginia was the starter and finished the season with 2,881 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He missed the last two games of the season as he suffered a thumb injury in a loss to Iowa.

Edwards' numbers are nothing to write home about but they declined as the season progressed, perhaps as a result of the pressure he faced. The Terps will get to see him again, as he stayed in the Big Ten, joining Wisconsin.

#1. Roman Hemby, Running Back

The Terrapins leading rusher, Roman Hemby, will be playing for Big Ten rival Indiana in 2025. Hemby rushed for 607 yards and six scores in 2024. His production slipped the last two seasons after getting 989 yards and ten touchdowns on the ground in 2022. He will look to regain his best form in Bloomington.

As for Maryland, freshman Nolan Ray might take over as the starter after gaining 374 yards and two touchdowns in his first year. Iverson Howard and Bud Coombs are part of the recruiting class and could see the field early and often.