Hampton Pirates vs Maryland Terrapins Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 5, 2026
The Hampton Pirates visit the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET at SECU Stadium, with the game televised on BTN. Hampton is 1-0 after opening 2026 with a 45-0 home win over Virginia Lynchburg, ending a four-game losing streak dating to last season. Maryland opens its season after finishing 4-8 in 2025, when the Terrapins lost their final five games and finished near the bottom of the Big Ten. Maryland is a 45.5-point favorite at -108, with Hampton +45.5 at -112. The total is 56.5, with both sides at -110. Find your opening-week betting angle with our free NCAAF picks.
Hampton Pirates Preview
Hampton dominated Virginia Lynchburg in its opener, producing 476 total yards and 22 first downs in a 45-0 victory. Quarterback Jalen Woods completed 15 of 26 passes for 191 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The Pirates were especially productive on the ground, rushing for 263 yards on 40 attempts. Amari Pryear led Hampton with 132 yards on only eight carries, including a 65-yard run, while Ja'Sean Lindsey and Gracen Goldsmith each scored rushing touchdowns.
The defense held Virginia Lynchburg to 220 total yards and only 54 rushing yards. Caden Rice returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, while Korede Sogbesan recorded a sack. Hampton still has mistakes to clean up after committing 13 penalties for 135 yards and losing two fumbles. Those errors become more damaging against an FBS opponent, especially with the Pirates making a major jump in competition.
Maryland Terrapins Preview
Maryland struggled late last season, losing its final five games against Indiana, Rutgers, Illinois, Michigan and Michigan State. The Terrapins scored 20 points or fewer in four of those defeats. Quarterback Malik Washington returns after leading the Big Ten with 473 passing attempts as a freshman. Washington completed just under 58% of his passes, but Maryland allowed only nine sacks on nearly 500 passing attempts. Three important offensive linemen also return.
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Washington has more receiving options with Chris Durr and Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding joining tight end Dorian Fleming. Fleming caught 40 passes last season, while Gladding had 51 receptions for 667 yards and six touchdowns at Old Dominion. Defensively, Maryland returns Daniel Wingate and Carlton Smith at linebacker. Sidney Stewart and Zahin Mathis also return after combining for 13 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.
Hampton Pirates vs Maryland Terrapins Prediction
Maryland has a clear roster advantage and a favorable setting for Washington to begin his sophomore season. Hampton's 45-0 opener was impressive, but 13 penalties and two lost fumbles are significant concerns against Big Ten competition.
Maryland's offensive line can give Washington time to find Durr, Gladding and Fleming, while Stewart and Mathis can pressure Hampton from the edge. Hampton will have a much harder time matching last week's 263 rushing yards. The Terrapins have enough advantages on both sides to create separation while keeping Hampton's scoring down. Final Score Prediction: Maryland Terrapins win and cover ATS, 52-3.
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Best Picks
- Maryland Terrapins -45.5 (-108)
- Under 56.5 (-110)
