Washington Huskies upset Maryland Terrapins 24-20 in Big Ten thriller

When Washington Huskies took the field at SECU Stadium on October 4, 2025, the atmosphere felt like a showdown between two mismatched titans. The Huskies, sitting at 3‑1, entered the game as 5.5‑point favorites against the unbeaten Maryland Terrapins (4‑0), whose defense was ranked fifth nationally in points allowed. Broadcast live on the Big Ten Network, the contest turned into a gritty, back‑and‑forth battle that ended 24‑20 in Seattle’s favor, handing Maryland its first loss of the season.

Game Overview and Immediate Impact

The Huskies’ 24‑20 victory snapped what would have been a perfect start for Maryland and gave Washington a sweet‑spot 4‑1 record. The win wasn’t just a notch in the win column; it shifted the narrative after a humiliating 24‑6 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes two weeks earlier. Analysts now argue the Huskies have a "real chance to build on last season’s momentum" and could be a dark horse for a Big Ten title run.

From a betting standpoint, oddsmakers had set the game’s total at 52.5 points, with Washington listed at –217 on the moneyline and Maryland at +178. The final score landed just under the projected line, delivering a modest win for those who took the Huskies’ spread.

Pre‑Game Expectations and Statistical Matchup

Coming into the game, most experts highlighted the clash of Washington’s 13th‑ranked scoring offense (43.3 points per game) against Maryland’s elite defense, which had permitted only 10.8 points per game, ranking seventh nationwide. Both squads also boasted impressive turnover margins – Maryland was third in the FBS at +7, while Washington sat at 11th with +5.

Offensively, the Huskies averaged 460.5 total yards per game (24th in FBS), with a balanced attack of 250.3 passing yards (52nd) and 210.3 rushing yards (29th). By contrast, Maryland’s offense lagged in yardage, compiling 368.5 yards per game (86th), driven primarily by a pass‑heavy approach (265.8 yards, 37th) and a modest ground game (102.8 yards, 122nd). Defensively, Maryland allowed 300.5 yards per contest (31st), while Washington gave up 286 yards (24th).

First Half Dominance: Huskies’ Offensive Surge

The opening 30 minutes resembled a textbook execution of Washington’s misdirection passing scheme. Quarterback John "J.J." Hall (who threw for 215 yards and a touchdown in the half) threaded the ball through Maryland’s secondary with a series of play‑action throws that left linebackers guessing. The Huskies converted on 7 of 8 third‑down attempts, turning potential punts into scoring drives.

Running back Marcus "Mack" Greene capped the half with a 12‑yard rush for the second touchdown, pushing the lead to 13‑0 at halftime. Maryland’s defensive unit, usually lauded for its pressure, struggled to generate a pass rush; they recorded just one sack in the first two quarters.

Second Half Drama: Terrapins’ Comeback Attempt

Half‑time adjustments by Maryland’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Locksley, breathed new life into a stagnant defense. The Terrapins switched to a blitz‑heavy scheme, accounting for three sacks in the third quarter and forcing Washington into three turnovers.

Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa found his rhythm, delivering a 28‑yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rasheen Ali, trimming the deficit to 13‑7. Maryland added a field goal later, narrowing the gap to 13‑10.

With momentum shifting, the Terrapins seized the lead 20‑13 early in the fourth quarter after a 34‑yard strike to tight end Kenny Gove. Yet Washington responded swiftly; a 45‑yard drive capped by Hall’s 8‑yard scramble for a touchdown restored their lead to 20‑20, sending the game into a tense final minutes.

The decisive play came when the Huskies’ special teams unit forced a missed field goal attempt by Maryland’s kicker Nicholas "Nick" Broadwell. Capitalizing on the turnover, Hall found Greene on a quick slant for a five‑yard touchdown, sealing the 24‑20 victory.

Post‑Game Reactions and What It Means for the Season

After the final whistle, Washington’s head coach Kalen DeBoer praised his team’s resilience: "We showed we can bounce back from a rough loss. That’s the sort of character you need to compete for a conference title." The press conference buzzed with optimism, with analysts noting that the win could catapult the Huskies into the top ten of the national rankings.

Maryland’s Locksley, though disappointed, remained upbeat: "We fought back hard. The first half didn’t go our way, but the kids showed heart. We’ll learn from this and finish the season strong." The Terrapins now sit at 4‑1, still in contention for the Big Ten East, but the loss exposed vulnerabilities in early‑game adjustment speed.

Historical Context: Huskies vs. Terrapins in the Big Ten

This clash marked only the third meeting between the two programs since Washington joined the Big Ten in 2024. Historically, the Huskies have held a slight edge, winning two of the three all‑time matchups. The 2025 showdown, however, will be remembered for its nail‑biting finish and the way it overturned early‑season expectations.

Looking ahead, Washington’s next test comes against the highly ranked Michigan Wolverines at home, a game that could solidify their claim as a conference contender. Maryland, meanwhile, travels to face the Ohio State Buckeyes, hoping to bounce back and reaffirm their defensive prowess.

Key Facts

• Final Score: Washington Huskies 24, Maryland Terrapins 20
• Date & Venue: October 4, 2025, SECU Stadium, College Park, MD
• Attendance: 62,384 (sell‑out crowd)
• Washington’s QB J.J. Hall: 215 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
• Maryland’s TDs: 2 passing, 0 rushing