Maryland junior center Michael Hershey just landed a spot on the 2026 Rimington Trophy Watch List. This award goes to the top center in college football each year.
It’s a big nod to Hershey’s work and the role he fills for the Maryland Terrapins’ offensive line. At 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, the Spring Grove, Pennsylvania native has become a mainstay for Maryland up front.
Last season, the Terrapins’ offensive line allowed just nine sacks—good enough to tie for third-fewest in the country. That’s no small feat.
Michael Hershey’s Impact on Maryland’s Offensive Line
Hershey’s path to the Rimington Trophy Watch List has been packed with memorable moments. He anchored a line that not only protected the quarterback but also opened up lanes for the run game.
Maryland’s offensive line, with Hershey leading the charge, stood out for their pass protection all season. Only nine sacks allowed—yeah, that’s impressive.
Key Performances
Some games really showed what Hershey brings to the table:
- Against Rutgers: Hershey helped clear the way for a season-high 305 rushing yards. He just kept pushing defenders out of the way.
- Against UCLA: The line, with Hershey at the center, earned a season-best 94.3 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
- First Career Start Against Florida Atlantic: In his first start, Hershey helped the offense rack up 39 points, allow zero sacks, and finish with 380 yards. Not a bad debut at all.
Rimington Trophy Watch List
The Rimington Trophy Watch List highlights the best centers in the country, based on school nominations and PFF evaluations. PFF grades every player on every play, so it’s not just about a few flashy moments—consistency matters.
Getting on this list means you’ve caught the eye of folks who know the game inside and out. Hershey’s been steady and reliable, which is what coaches love.
Criteria for Selection
The selection process is tough. Centers get judged on a bunch of things, like:
- Pass Blocking: Can you keep the quarterback upright and avoid giving up sacks?
- Run Blocking: Are you opening holes and helping the running backs move the chains?
- Overall Impact: Do you make the offense better just by being out there?
And hey, the list isn’t set in stone—centers can get added as the season goes on if they step up. It’s always competitive.
The Significance of the Rimington Trophy
The Rimington Trophy, named after Nebraska great Dave Rimington, is one of college football’s big honors. Since 2000, it’s gone to the top center in NCAA Division I football.
It’s not just about the trophy, either. The award has helped raise over $5 million for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which supports the fight against cystic fibrosis. That’s pretty cool.
Historical Context
Some of the best centers ever have won this award. It’s a credential that can launch a player’s career, sometimes straight to the NFL.
It also shines a light on the center position—often overlooked, but absolutely vital to every offense.
Maryland’s Football Legacy
Seeing Hershey on the Rimington Trophy Watch List is a proud moment for Maryland football. The Terrapins have a track record of producing standout players who get it done on the field and in the classroom.
Hershey’s rise says a lot about the program’s drive to develop top-tier talent. Maryland’s always looking to compete at the highest level, and this is another sign they’re on the right track.
Building on Success
With the 2026 season on the horizon, Hershey and the Terrapins are hoping to build off last year’s momentum. Hershey anchoring the line gives them a real shot at staying strong in both pass protection and the run game.
Getting recognized by the Rimington Trophy folks? That’s a boost of motivation for Hershey and the whole squad. You get the feeling they’re hungry for more.
Conclusion
Michael Hershey’s nomination to the 2026 Rimington Trophy Watch List feels like the kind of recognition that doesn’t come around every day. He’s shown some serious skill and grit anchoring the Maryland Terrapins’ offensive line.
Honestly, it’s hard not to root for a guy like Hershey. His story probably gives a lot of young football players hope that hard work can get noticed.
With the 2026 season creeping up, you get the sense there’s a lot of anticipation. Maybe Hershey can take it even further and snag the Rimington Trophy—who knows?
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