Maryland Benches Malik Washington, Williams Starts
Maryland's starting quarterback sat out against Wisconsin with a lower-body injury, with transfer Cardell Williams making his first start for the Terps.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Football
Maryland benched starting quarterback Malik Washington for its Big Ten game against Wisconsin due to a lower-body injury. Redshirt senior transfer Cardell Williams started his first game for the Terps at quarterback.
Why it matters
The change at quarterback shifts Maryland's offensive leadership for the game and tests the depth behind its starter. Washington was initially listed as a game-time decision before being held out.
The available record is the team's lineup decision, with Williams's starts at Sacramento State and Tulsa as his prior experience. Neither the length of Washington's absence nor the full extent of his injury has been disclosed.
The players
Malik Washington
Maryland's starting quarterback who was benched against Wisconsin due to a lower-body injury.
Cardell Williams
Redshirt senior transfer quarterback who previously started games at Sacramento State and Tulsa before starting for Maryland.
The details
Washington was a game-time decision before he was benched, with the team opting not to risk further injury to its starter. He warmed up wearing a brace on his left knee before the game against Wisconsin at home.
Timeline
Saturday, November 14, 2026: Maryland plays Wisconsin without Malik Washington at quarterback.
Season Trajectory
The switch matters because quarterback continuity is central to Maryland's Big Ten results this season. A change at the position in a conference game puts pressure on the depth behind the starter.
Fantasy and betting players tracking Maryland's offense will need to account for Williams under center instead of Washington. The change affects expected passing volume and quarterback production for the rest of the game.
The takeaway
Quarterback depth often decides a team's conference results when a starter goes down mid-season. Maryland's ability to keep its offense steady without Washington will show how far its backup plan can carry the team.
Further reading
For more on the Terps, see Maryland Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
