Maryland Football Drops Sixth Straight, Faces Purdue
Interim coach Abdul-Rahim's Terrapins fell 20-17 to Illinois and now travel to Purdue for their best remaining shot at a win.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Football
Maryland lost 20-17 to Illinois, its sixth straight defeat and 13th consecutive conference loss, falling to 2-6 overall and 0-5 in the Big Ten. The Terrapins now head to Purdue this Saturday, looking for their best remaining chance to win.
Why it matters
The losing streak leaves Maryland without a conference win and searching for stability under interim coach Abdul-Rahim, named October 21. Maryland and Michigan State are the only Power Four programs still without a win over another Power Four team this season.
Purdue allows 243 passing yards and 175 rushing yards per game, ranking worst and second-worst in the Big Ten, while Malik Washington averages 36.3 pass attempts per game, the most in the conference, and has seven interceptions, the most among Big Ten quarterbacks.
The players
Abdul-Rahim
Abdul-Rahim is Maryland's interim football coach, named to the role on October 21 and responsible for the team's recent changes to practice and focus.
The details
Interim coach Abdul-Rahim changed practice to emphasize situational play and added more walkthroughs. Players walked into the Illinois game in team gear and sweatsuits instead of suits and ties, and voluntarily left off necklaces and chains.
Timeline
October 21: Abdul-Rahim named interim coach.
Last Saturday: Maryland lost 20-17 to Illinois.
Last week: Penn State defeated Purdue.
This Saturday: Maryland plays Purdue.
Next four weeks: Remaining games used to refine team infrastructure.
Season Trajectory
Maryland's 0-5 Big Ten record and 13-game conference losing streak place it at the bottom of the league standings. Michigan State and Maryland remain the only Power Four programs without a win over another Power Four team this season.
Maryland's remaining schedule now carries higher stakes for playoff math and standings, since the team is winless in conference play. Fantasy managers tracking Malik Washington should note his volume of 36.3 attempts per game against a Purdue pass defense allowing 243 yards per game.
The takeaway
Maryland's coaching change and practice overhaul are the team's stated attempt to refocus on the love of the game and cut distractions. Whether those changes produce a conference win before the season ends is the main open question for the program.
What happens next
Maryland plays Purdue this Saturday, the team's best remaining chance to win, with its remaining games expected to refine its infrastructure over the next four weeks.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Football coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Washington Times.
