Maryland Athletic Director Jim Smith recently joined Vinny and Haynie on 105.7 The Fan to talk about the state and future of Maryland athletics. In a pretty open chat, Smith touched on a lot—his support for head football coach Mike Locksley, the headaches of keeping top players in the NIL era, and the pressure to stay financially competitive.
Smith stressed that Maryland has to keep up, both with money and structure, if it wants to stay relevant in college sports. He made it clear: Maryland won’t be outbid for its best players, which is a pretty bold stance and says a lot about where his priorities are.
Maryland’s Financial Commitment in the NIL Era
The whole landscape of college sports looks different now, thanks to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules. Student-athletes can cash in on their own brands, and for Maryland, that means upping their game to hang onto standouts like quarterback Malik Washington and edge rushers Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis.
Smith says making sure Maryland can compete financially and structurally is at the top of his list. He didn’t mince words: “We’re not going to get outbid by anybody. I’m not going to let that happen.” The message? Maryland’s not backing down when it comes to keeping its best players and building a strong NIL setup.
The Role of Boosters and Collectives
Boosters and NIL collectives have a lot more sway these days, and Smith acknowledged it. Still, he insists he’s got the final say on the department’s direction.
Input from different people matters, but the big decisions land on his desk. That kind of control is key for keeping the roster steady and competitive.
Last offseason, Maryland lost 31 players to the transfer portal—one of the highest numbers in the Big Ten. Even so, Smith and Locksley have managed to bring in new talent to fill the gaps.
Support for Coach Mike Locksley
Smith didn’t hesitate to back head football coach Mike Locksley, even with some tough losses in Big Ten play. He believes in Locksley’s leadership and thinks the team has shown flashes of what they’re capable of.
Sometimes they play really well, but it’s about keeping that level up for a whole game. Smith put it plainly: “We’ve played three-and-a-half really good quarters. Now it’s time to stop saying they’re a young team and get them to play at that next level.”
Consistency is the name of the game, especially when things get tight. Developing that mentality is a must if they want to break through.
Building a Competitive Roster
Keeping top talent is just one piece. Developing young players matters just as much, if not more.
Smith’s comments point to a bigger plan: attract top recruits, then help them grow once they’re here. That’s how you build a program that lasts.
The Impact of Roster Turnover
Roster stability is a real issue in college football right now. Maryland’s big transfer exodus last year really hammered that home.
Smith is trying to get ahead of it with a strong NIL plan and by working closely with boosters. It’s about having the resources and relationships to keep the team together, or at least to reload when players do leave.
The Future of Maryland Athletics
Looking forward, Maryland athletics feels like it’s on the upswing. Smith’s vision is pushing the program toward better financial footing and more competitiveness.
He’s focused on holding onto top talent, developing younger players, and building out the NIL framework. His goal: “To ensure Maryland can compete with the sport’s big dogs.” Ambitious, sure, but you kind of have to be in this business.
Addressing Broader Issues
Smith also touched on some bigger-picture stuff. Gambling in college sports is on his radar, and he’s not shy about saying it’s a worry.
He’s for more education and prevention, but admits it’s tough to manage. “Gambling is pretty pervasive, and it is one of those things that keep you up at night.” Not exactly reassuring, but he’s honest about the challenge.
Celebrating Tradition and Community
It’s not all stress and strategy, though. Smith talked about the Midnight Mile, a campus event that brings students and athletes together to kick off basketball season.
He also mentioned the men’s and women’s basketball banquet, both of which help build a sense of community. “It was a great night, a very festive beginning to men’s basketball.” These moments matter—they’re what make the whole thing feel bigger than just wins and losses.
Conclusion
Maryland athletics finds itself in a tricky, ever-changing landscape right now. The focus? Staying financially competitive, keeping rosters steady, and making sure the community feels included.
Jim Smith’s at the helm, steering the program with a mix of vision and, frankly, a bit of boldness. There’s a real push to tackle the challenges of the NIL era and back Coach Locksley, all while trying to build a genuine sense of belonging around Maryland sports.
If you’re curious and want to dig deeper into Jim Smith’s interview, check out the full article on 247Sports here.
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