What happened: Maryland moved on from head coach Mike Locksley during the 2026 regular season. The initial search list highlights Wake Forest's Jake Dickert, New Mexico's Jason Eck and Duke's Manny Diaz.

Why it matters: The hire will set Maryland's recruiting direction into the 2026 offseason. Dickert, Eck and Diaz all hold active head-coaching roles tied to the current cycle.

What to watch: The search now turns to interviews and formal vetting of the early candidates.