Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images / Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Locksley forgot he was playing UCONN.
Mike Locksley entered the 2026 college football season firmly on the hot seat at Maryland. He proved that he’s working tirelessly to avoid a $7 million buyout in his Week 2 pregame press conference.
The Terrapins head coach momentarily forgot his next opponent on the schedule. He’s been busy scouting another school.
A quote from his recent media appearance is going viral online. While many are reading the slip as a negative, it should be viewed through a positive lens. He is more than prepared.
Mike Locksley thinks Maryland is playing Toledo.
Locksley opened his press conference with a quick recap of his weekly process. The team has reviewed film from a 62-0 shutout of Hampton. The attention is turning to Game 2.
“We closed the book on Hampton on Sunday,” he said. “Took a long look at things we need to improve upon from Game 1 to Game 2. Looked at the tape. Got it corrected. Used yesterday to get recovered… and to get a jumpstart on this week’s opponent, Toledo.”
There is one problem with the opening statement. Maryland is playing UCONN on Saturday. Toledo is not on the schedule.
The Rockets‘ former head coach, however, will be on the sidelines. Jason Candle was hired by the Huskies in the offseason to replace Jim Mora Jr., who’s now at Colorado State. He spent 10 seasons with Toledo and is the program’s all-time winningest coach.
Under Candle’s leadership, the Rockets won two MAC titles and made seven bowl games. It would appear that Mike Locksley has been studying film from his counterpart’s previous school in order to prepare for Saturday.
The head coach wants to save Maryland $7 million in buyout money.
Locksley has been at the helm for the last seven seasons. He’d posted a 36-44 overall record prior to his win over Hampton. He has just three seasons above .500.
Locksley is squarely on the hot seat. He avoided a firing this past offseason following a second straight 4-8 campaign. He won’t be as lucky with a three-peat.
As it stands, the school is set to pay $7 million in buyout money should Locksley be let go at season’s end. The coach is working tirelessly to prevent it.
The use of “tirelessly” is deliberate. He has been in the film room since the season opening victory. Locksley wasted no time scouting his next opponent. Sleep is taking a backseat.
Mike Locksley does not want to be fired. He misspoke in his Tuesday presser, which I’ll attribute to a lack of R&R. The Maryland football coach is doing what’s necessary to prep for UCONN. That includes scouting Toledo.