Maryland takes productive passing targets into Ohio State test

Maryland heads to No. 5 Ohio State on Saturday, October 10, looking for its first Big Ten victory and a response to three consecutive losses. Kickoff at Ohio Stadium is 4:15 p.m. Eastern on Big Ten Network.

The Terrapins are 2–3 overall and 0–2 in conference play after a 48–23 loss at Nebraska. The Buckeyes enter 4–1 and 2–0 in the Big Ten, coming off a 31–14 victory at Iowa. Maryland has never beaten Ohio State in nine meetings, and Saturday is its first trip to Columbus since 2023.

Chris Durr Jr. gives Maryland a consistent target. He caught seven passes for 149 yards against Nebraska and has made at least six catches in all five games this season. His 461 receiving yards and 8.4 receptions per game have helped quarterback Malik Washington reach 1,288 passing yards.

The first question is whether that production can keep drives moving and produce points. Maryland’s passing game has accumulated yards, but the Terps still need their first conference win. Durr’s connection with Washington will be central to that effort.

A second matchup sits on the other side of the ball. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith has 44 catches for 823 yards and nine touchdowns through five games. Maryland averages 2.8 sacks per game, making its ability to pressure Julian Sayin before he finds Smith a key part of the defensive test.

The running game offers another point to watch. DeJuan Williams returned against Nebraska after missing three games and gained 78 yards with a touchdown on 10 carries. That was his first appearance since the season opener. A productive complement to the passing attack would give Maryland another way to sustain possession in Columbus.

Ohio State returns home for its homecoming game. Maryland arrives needing to turn individual production into a complete conference performance.