Illinois at Maryland - 2026 Matchup Preview
Illinois logo

Illinois Fighting Illini at Maryland Terrapins

Maryland logo
Saturday, October 31st 2026 (12:00 PM EDT)
Maryland Stadium - College Park, MD  (Big Ten)

 
Fighting Illini (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Bret Bielema (37 - 26)
Avg Score : 29 - 24 (27 - 36 on Road)
Record Prediction: 8.3 - 3.7 (#26)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 2) (Good: 1) (Avg: 5) (Bad: 3)
MD coming off BYE
Our Line: Illinois -8.5  (SP+ ILL -12.5)

Projected Score: ILL: 32 - MD: 24 (56)
ILL Win prob: 71% | Cover: 46%
ILL Travel: 606 miles, 1 hrs behind
Terrapins (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Mike Locksley (37 - 49)
Avg Score : 24 - 27 (26 - 27 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 5.4 - 6.6 (#74)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 3) (Good: 1) (Avg: 2) (Bad: 5)
 
Illinois's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Illinois vs UAB-27.5
Sat 9/12Illinois vs Duke-8.5
Sat 9/19Illinois vs Southern Illinois-36.5
Sat 9/26Illinois at Ohio State+19
Sat 10/3Illinois vs Purdue-18.5
Sat 10/10Illinois at Michigan State-10.5
— Bye Week —
Sat 10/24Illinois vs Oregon+11
Sat 10/31Illinois at Maryland-8.5
Sat 11/7Illinois vs Nebraska-9.5
Sat 11/14Illinois at UCLA-7.5
Sat 11/21Illinois vs Iowa+1
Sat 11/28Illinois vs Northwestern-12

Total: Elite: 2, Good: 1, Avg 5, Bad 2, Poor 1
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 2, Good: 1, Avg 5, Bad 2, Poor 1
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Illinois's Schedule
Maryland's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Maryland vs Howard-25.5
Sat 9/12Maryland at UConn-2
Sat 9/19Maryland vs Virginia Tech-5
Sat 9/26Maryland vs UCLA-1.5
Sat 10/3Maryland at Nebraska+6.5
Sat 10/10Maryland at Ohio State+30
Sat 10/17Maryland vs Rutgers-3
— Bye Week —
Sat 10/31Maryland vs Illinois+8.5
Sat 11/7Maryland at Purdue-2.5
Sat 11/14Maryland vs Wisconsin-4.5
Sat 11/21Maryland at USC+21
Sat 11/28Maryland vs Penn State+13

Total: Elite: 3, Good: 1, Avg 2, Bad 5, Poor 0
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 3, Good: 1, Avg 2, Bad 5, Poor 0
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Maryland's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
ILL#39 (.21)48% (15)29.448% (15)3.04 (52)13848% (14)2364.21 (29)#96 (.2)45% (114)23.641% (53)49% (133)4.33 (125)39.50.81.2
MD#85 (.15)40% (100)23.539% (105)2.83 (88)10641% (80)2563.39 (100)#58 (.13)44% (101)26.546% (105)43% (81)3.6 (62)55.81.21.8
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
ILL0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
MD0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
ILL Offense1329.426.647.8%4.210.8213741382363.951%48%48%48%16%.21
MD Defense1226.527.344.2%3.61.8 - - - - - 53%45%46%43%14%.13
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
ILL Defense1323.635.645.2%4.331.2 - - - - - 44%54%41%49%15%.2
MD Offense1223.526.340.1%3.391.2183611062564.235%64%39%41%14%.15

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Illinois1330:5421.242%57%4.639.50.81.24.92.2130.3
Maryland1226:5818.337%36%655.81.21.85.42.3429.5
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
ILL Offense1351% (59)48% (15)35.2138.23.921 (40).08 (87)3.04 (52)73% (56)10% (87)0.8 (131)
MD Defense1253% (107)46% (105) - - - - .13 (89)3.06 (102)77% (106)8% (116)0.9 (39)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
ILL Defense1344% (10)41% (53) - - - - .07 (50)2.88 (70)75% (97)9% (80)0.92 (51)
MD Offense1235% (136)39% (105)25.3105.54.29 (107).04 (110)2.83 (88)73% (61)6% (5)1.02 (48)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
ILL Offense1348% (76)48% (14)19.328.6235.88.212.223 (33)6 (7).41 (21)1.6 (56)29% (34)37% (14).37 (43)6% (51)1.9 (111)
MD Defense1245% (32)43% (81) - - - - - - 19 (1).16 (31)1.6 (75)29% (108)32% (101).32 (85)6% (62)1.9 (37)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
ILL Defense1354% (122)49% (133) - - - - - - 6 (123).32 (102)1.3 (5)28% (126)36% (130).39 (112)6% (67)2 (62)
MD Offense1264% (1)41% (80)23.740.9255.76.310.818 (61)9 (20).23 (77)1.5 (100)34% (118)37% (17).46 (19)8% (125)2 (81)

Illinois's Power Ratings
Illinois's Power Rating: 13.18  #27
Illinois's Offense Rating: 19.46  #24
Illinois's Defense Rating: 11.28  #37
2026 Talent Rating: 914.00  #31
Blue Chip Ratio: 9%  #44
Illinois's 2026 Expected Record: 8.3 - 3.7
Illinois's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: 12.9  #24
Illinois's Offense SP+ Rating: 33.3  #27
Illinois's Defense SP+ Rating: 21.7  #41

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 916.78
Average Power Five Talent: 910.63
Average FBS Talent: 728.81

Power Ratings Matchup
Illinois: 13.18   Maryland: 4.73

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Illinois: 12.9   Maryland: 0.6




Maryland's Power Ratings
Maryland's Power Rating: 4.73  #62
Maryland's Offense Rating: 12.98  #69
Maryland's Defense Rating: 14.12  #57
2026 Talent Rating: 830.00  #52
Blue Chip Ratio: 10  #39
Maryland's 2026 Expected Record: 5.4 - 6.6
Maryland's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: 0.6  #75
Maryland's Offense SP+ Rating: 24.4  #90
Maryland's Defense SP+ Rating: 24.7  #55

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 916.78
Average Power Five Talent: 910.63
Average FBS Talent: 728.81


Illinois Scoring
Offense: 29.4 PPG
Offense on Road: 26.6
Defense: 23.6 PPG
Defense on Road: 35.6

Illinois's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Illinois 32
Maryland 24


Projected Total Points: 56
Maryland Scoring
Offense: 23.5 PPG
Offense at Home: 26.3
Defense: 26.5 PPG
Defense at Home: 27.3

Maryland's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202511/15Illinois24Maryland6Illinois -15.5Illinois51.5Under
202310/14Maryland24Illinois27Maryland -13.5Illinois52.0Under
202109/17Illinois17Maryland20Maryland -7Illinois61.5Under
201810/27Maryland63Illinois33Maryland -16.5Maryland56.0Over
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Maryland211 Overs
Illinois233 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams2 - 23 - 12 - 11 - 0
Road Teams2 - 21 - 30 - 11 - 2

(#27) ILL at (#62) MD
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatILLMD
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #27 #62
SP+SP+ #24 #75
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #31 #52
Blue ChipsBC% #44 #39
Illinois Notes
(2/17) Vibes: V high, 19 wins in past 2, love HC B.B.
(2/9) New DC Bobby Hauck was Montana's HC (7 yrs)
(2/7) Getting CB Scott back after missing LY a huge boost
(2/4) QB Houser (ECU) a great add. No proven depth
(2/4) RB has top 3 back. Very good stable w depth
(2/4) WR has 4 exp'd & productive starters. Nice rotation
(2/4) OL rebuild w 2 portals & 3 JUCO's. Big ?
(2/4) DL counting on 5 G5 portals. Have exp but ?
(2/4) LB should be good unit w exp and depth options
(2/4) DBs return a lot but torched LY. Must improve
(2/4) Lots of ? esp on lines. Counting on a lot that's new
Illinois Injury Report
Maryland Notes
(2/14) Vibes: Low on Locksley, high on young talent
(3/11) RB all Fr LY, can Williams/Howard/Dalton break out?
(3/11) DE has big time talent, DT should find rotation
(3/3) Locksley back again? 4th lowest P4 portal class
(2/10) 16 starters back, #2 in CFB, 10 back on Defense
(2/3) LBs should be good, return 3 starters, 1 PT
(2/3) CBs good looking duo, S has exp but avg play
(2/2) QB Washington back, potential star. No depth
(2/2) WR best two are ODU/Wyo portals. Some depth
(2/2) OL looks rough. Some exp, less proven play
Maryland Injury Report
Illinois on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 48%, Run: 50%
CategoryCat
ILL OffMD Def
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #15 #101
ExplosiveExp #118 #32
PPAPPA #39 #58
PowerPwr #24 #57
SP+SP+ #27 #55
Pts POPPO #29 #62
HavocHav #70 #104
Illinois Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 48%, Run: 50%
CategoryCat
ILL OffMD Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #15 #105
Run ExplRExp #131 #39
PPAExp #87 #89
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #52 #102
Stuff RateStuff #81 #101
TackleTak - NR
Illinois Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 48%, Run: 50%
CategoryCat
ILL OffMD Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #14 #81
Pass ExplPExl #56 #75
PPAExp #21 #31
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #87 #116
DB HavocDB #51 #62
Maryland on Offense
Very Pass heavy Offense 64%, Run: 35%
CategoryCatMD OffILL Def
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #100 #114
ExplosiveExp #34 #37
PPAPPA #85 #96
PowerPwr #69 #37
SP+SP+ #90 #41
Pts POPPO #100 #125
HavocHav #51 #75
Maryland Run Game
Very Pass heavy Offense 64%, Run: 35%
CategoryCat
MD OffILL Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #105 #53
Run ExplRExp #48 #51
PPAExp #110 #50
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #88 #70
Stuff RateStuff #74 #70
TackleTak - NR
Maryland Pass Game
Very Pass heavy Offense 64%, Run: 35%
CategoryCatMD OffILL Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #80 #133
Pass ExplPExl #100 #5
PPAExp #77 #102
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #5 #80
DB HavocDB #125 #67
Program Comparison
MD 5 Year Profile: Consistent Top G5
'26 Profile: Remains Top G5

ILL 5 Year Profile: Consistent Average P4
'26 Profile: Up to Top 25 Contenders

Weather Forecast
Playing in Maryland Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
Previous Matchups
Illinois beat Maryland last year (24-6)
Illinois beat Maryland in 2023 (27-24)

  
ILL's OC Barry Lunney Jr. (been OC for 3 years)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Katin Houser (Tr)26940866%33001968.1
Ty Robinson (Tr)2367%770025.7
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Ca'Lil Valentine13161444.725
Kaden Feagin12250774.226
Aidan Laughery7538235.157
Katin Houser (Tr)8519392.314
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Alex Perry (Tr)56840915.064
Jayshon Platt (Tr)46720515.748
Collin Dixon35548515.761
Hudson Clement36454312.627

View Illinois's Full Roster

ILL's DC Bobby Hauck (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Matthew Bailey764012
Robert Edmonson (Tr)474150
William Holmes (Tr)457250
James Thompson Jr.403221
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Darrell Prater (Tr)214400
William Holmes (Tr)457250
James Thompson Jr.403221
Joe Barna202212
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jaheim Clarke301007
James Kreutz304003
Deuce Fillmore (Tr)390003

MD's OC Clint Trickett (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Malik Washington27347358%29631796.3
Devin Kargman (Tr)81747%74014.4
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
DeJuan Williams12850133.940
Malik Washington5531745.873
Iverson Howard3912503.210
Harry Dalton III (Tr)84405.521
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding (Tr)51667613.146
Chris Durr Jr. (Tr)46513411.249
DeJuan Williams4542619.555
Dorian Fleming4035138.848

View Maryland's Full Roster

MD's DC Ted Monachino (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Daniel Wingate1027221
Lavain Scruggs641013
Carlton Smith642140
Trey Reddick536202
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Sidney Stewart3211772
Zahir Mathis359631
Trey Reddick536202
Nahsir Taylor193220
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Dontay Joyner401008
Jamare Glasker326006
Amari Jackson (Tr)70004