Prior to Taulia Tagovailoa’s arrival in College Park, injuries and ineffectiveness led to three or four different quarterbacks every season at Maryland.
Tagovailoa provided stability at the position for four years, leading the Terps to three straight bowl games. However, head coach Michael Locksley announced on Dec. 19 that Tagovailoa has opted out of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl in Nashville on Dec. 30.
Following Maryland’s 42-24 win against Rutgers on Nov. 25, Tagovailoa said he expected to play in the bowl game. But sometime in the past month, the quarterback changed his mind.
“He handled it the right way,” Locksley said. “… I don’t think [some people] will understand the impact of what Lia coming to Maryland will probably have for about 10-15 years.”
Tagovailoa’s Maryland career ended last month at Rutgers, where he celebrated with his family after becoming the all-time leading passer in Big Ten history. He threw for 11,256 yards throughout his four-year Terps career. He rewrote Maryland’s offensive record book, taking the top spot in career completions (955), career passing touchdowns (76), among other categories.
Tagovailoa was recently named the Polynesian College Football Offensive Player of the Year as well.
“Definitely surprising,” wide receiver Jeshaun Jones said of Tagovailoa’s decision. “I’m happy for him and thankful for him and everything he has done for me and this program.”
Tagovailoa accomplished all those feats and more despite playing in just four games during the COVID-shortened 2020 season and missing a game due to injury in 2022. While Tagovailoa never earned a marquee win against a top-10 opponent, he pulled the Terps out of years of misery.
“I still love the kid because of what he’s been able to do to elevate Maryland football,” Locksley said.
Locksley boldly stated at Big Ten Media Days this summer that Maryland was ready to compete for a Big Ten championship. While the Terps fell short of that lofty goal, clinching appearances in three straight bowl games for the first time since 2006-2008 is still an impressive feat for a school not known as a football powerhouse. Tagovailoa will be hard to replace, but Locksley has confidence in his quarterback room.
With the transfer portal open and players opting out with an eye toward the NFL Draft, the Music City Bowl marks the start of the 2024 season. Backup quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. will get the start against Auburn in Nashville. Locksley also said that third-string quarterback Cameron Edge will also see some time in the bowl game.
“Billy throws the ball really well,” Locksley said. “He’s a traditional pocket quarterback, but he also has some sneaky athleticism that I think catches people off guard. I’ve got all the confidence in the world in Billy.”
Edwards is no stranger to Maryland’s offense, appearing in 14 games the past two seasons. In 2022, Edwards entered against Indiana early in the fourth quarter with the Terps trailing 27-24 and guided Maryland to a come-from-behind win. Edwards used his legs, scrambling five times for 53 yards and a touchdown to seal a 38-33 win.
Edwards earned the start against Northwestern the following week. He completed 18 of 28 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown and ran for 66 yards, guiding Maryland to a 31-24 win and clinching a spot in a bowl game for the Terps.
In 2023, Edwards successfully executed the quarterback sneak in short-yardage situations and scored several “Tush Push” touchdowns. (He is listed at 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds.)
“If you prepare the right way, I can go in there with a lot more confidence and just have fun and play,” Edwards said.
While the quarterback position remains wide open heading into next season, Edwards and the rest of the Terps’ quarterbacks can use the next week and half to make their case for the job next fall. There will be extra competition, with Maryland adding former NC State quarterback MJ Morris from the transfer portal earlier in December.
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