We continue our deep dives into Maryland football’s position groups with a look at the offensive line. Take a look at our previous previews on the team’s quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.

One of the primary roots of Maryland football’s offensive struggles in 2024 was subpar play from its big men up front. The Terps’ offense had both the second-lowest pass-blocking Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade and the second-lowest run-blocking grade at the FBS level in 2024.

Running lanes were far and few between and Billy Edwards Jr. often struggled to find time and space in the pocket. In return, Maryland averaged the fourth-fewest yards per rush and fifth-fewest yards per pass attempt in the Big Ten. Offensive line coach Brian Braswell was let go following the season; assistant offensive line coach Damian Wroblewski now assumes that role.

Just two of the five starters from last season return. Eight offensive linemen transferred, including those like offensive tackle Terez Davis that were viewed as potential starters. Those that remained, alongside two noteworthy transfers and a flurry of freshmen, have to bolster the unit if Maryland wants to improve in 2025.

“Our offensive line, even though we have quite a few guys that haven’t played beside each other in games,” offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton said, “we feel like the way that they’re working and trending in the right direction, they’re going to give us an opportunity to be multi-dimensional in our attack.”

NAMEYEAR2024 STATS(per PFF)Alan HerronSenior12 games (12 starts), 5 sacks allowed, 38 pressures allowedRahtrel PerryRedshirt Junior12 games (12 starts), 4 sacks allowed, 20 pressures allowedCarlos MooreRedshirt Junior11 games (10 starts), 2 sacks allowed, 19 pressures allowedTrevor SzymanskiRedshirt Freshman1 game, 6 snapsLogan BennettRedshirt FreshmanN/A(Redshirted)Lamar WilliamsFreshmanHigh school (3-star)Ben BeymerFreshmanHigh school (3-star)Michael McMonigleFreshmanHigh school (3-star)NAMEYEAR2024 STATS(per PFF)Aliou BahRedshirt Junior12 games (12 starts), 1 sack allowed, 16 pressures allowedMichael HersheySophomore6 games (0 starts), 6 pressures allowedIsaiah WrightRedshirt SeniorN/A (Injured)Jaylen GilchristFreshmanHigh school (4-star)Ryan HowertonRedshirt Freshman2 games (0 starts), 24 snapsAnthony RobsockRedshirt Freshman1 game (0 starts), 2 snapsDavon WatkinsRedshirt FreshmanN/A (Redshirted)Amory HillsFreshmanHigh school (3-star)

The good news for Maryland is right guard Aliou Bah and right tackle Alan Herron are both set to become second-year starters. The bad news is neither player made a positive impact last year.

Herron, who transferred from Division II Shorter before the 2024 season, allowed the most pressures (38) of any Big Ten offensive lineman, according to PFF. Bah not only likewise struggled as a blocker, but also drew nine penalties throughout the season — tied for the second-most in the conference regardless of position.

Both players possess elite size — even for Big Ten offensive line standards — and were each first-year starters. It’s not a longshot that the right side of Maryland’s line takes a leap forward in 2025. But especially with a brand-new quarterback under center, that leap is absolutely essential for the Terps’ offense to be functional.

Sophomore Michael Hershey will occupy the void at center left by Josh Kaltenberger’s departure to the NFL. Hershey, a former three-star recruit from Pennsylvania, took 161 snaps across seven games in 2024, according to PFF.

The new (and new-ish) players to know

Isaiah Wright transferred to Maryland from Buffalo last offseason, and many within Jones-Hill House expected him to be an immediate piece. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound redshirt senior has the ability to play all five positions along the line, and that versatility was going to be a huge asset in 2024.

But Wright tore his Achilles tendon during summer workouts and missed the entire season. That didn’t stop him, though, from establishing himself as a leader in the locker room throughout the year. He’s healthy for 2025 and expected to start at left guard.

“When you look at the impact that Isaiah has had in our program, even though he withstood an injury … you’ll understand that leadership doesn’t have a time stamp on it,” head coach Michael Locksley said.

If Wright struggles, look for freshman Jaylen Gilchrist to earn playing time at left guard. The four-star Virginia native was the No. 111 player and No. 7 interior offensive lineman in his class, according to the 247Sports Composite. Gilchrist was one of Maryland’s top recruiting targets for the 2025 class and expect his chances for snaps to be plentiful because of that.

Locksley also brought in a pair of redshirt junior offensive tackles from the FCS level via the transfer portal: Central Connecticut State’s Rahtrel Perry and Elon’s Carlos Moore. Perry, a 6-foot-5, 317-pound 2024 first-team All-NEC selection, has two years of eligibility remaining and is expected to start at left tackle right away. Moore played both left and right tackle at Elon — that versatility could earn him the Terps’ swing tackle role.

Redshirt freshmen Trevor Szymanski, Ryan Howerton and Anthony Robsock were the other Maryland offensive linemen to see the field in 2024. All three should be in strong consideration for playing time in case of injury.

Outside of Gilchrist, the Terps added four freshmen to their offensive line: Amory Hills, Lamar Williams, Ben Beymer and Michael McMonigle. All four were three-star recruits.