Maryland Men's Basketball Unveils Manageable 2025-26 Schedule with Key Rivalry Tests

Maryland's 2025-26 basketball season features significant changes and challenges for both men's and women's teams under new and established leadership. The men's team, led by first-year head coach Buzz Williams, faces a manageable non-conference schedule with key games against regional rivals and strong opponents like Gonzaga and Marquette, designed to prepare them for Big Ten play. Williams has rebuilt the roster entirely, bringing in 15 new players including transfers from Texas A&M, which poses challenges for team cohesion early in the season. Meanwhile, the Maryland women's team, under longtime coach Brenda Frese, returns eight players with a mix of newcomers and key veterans, despite injury concerns to important guards Kaylene Smikle and Bri McDaniel. The women's squad aims to build on their recent success, including a Sweet 16 appearance, while navigating health and chemistry issues. Both programs are setting the stage for competitive campaigns with aspirations to advance further in NCAA tournaments.