Predictions for Maryland men’s basketball’s 2026-27 season: Bold takes, top players and more

Maryland men’s basketball’s 2026-27 campaign kicks off in College Park Monday against Bucknell.

The second year of the Buzz Williams era begins with heightened expectations after the disappointments of the first year. The program is coming off its worst season since 1941, and returning stars and incoming players will look to make that 2025-26 squad a distant memory by the time March rolls around.

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Below, our editors compiled their predictions for a promising season ahead for the Terps.

Player of the year

Nolan’s pick: Pharrel Payne

Payne is the best player on this team, and there is simply nobody else on the roster that offers his skillset. His absence was a major contributing factor in last season’s struggles. When he didn’t play against Virginia Tech in the team’s secret scrimmage on Oct. 23, Maryland lost. He averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds per game in two preseason games after averaging 17.5 and seven, respectively, per game last year.

This is the easy choice. Don’t overthink it.

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Dylan’s pick: Andre Mills

Maryland’s offense was a one-man show for the majority of last year. While the results weren’t there, Mills’ ascension in his redshirt freshman season offered a glimpse into the talent the former four-star recruit possesses. Mills averaged 17.8 points per game during the final 13 contests, showcasing his ability to score from every level — he shot 34.4% from 3-point range.

Even with a better supporting cast around the Massachusetts native, Mills poured in a game-high 27 points in the Terps’ 19-point comeback victory over West Virginia. Mills can take over games and will earn All-Big Ten honors come the end of the year. The 6-foot-4 guard will be Maryland’s best player this season.

Jude’s pick: DJ Wagner

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Wagner may not be as flashy of a scorer as my fellow editor’s picks, but his presence at the point should be the bow tying this gift of a team together. The 6-foot-4 guard, who Williams nicknamed “Julio,” has an ability to run the…

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Publish date : 2026-11-01 11:50:00

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