Maryland football has started the 2025 season 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten. To many observers, including Maryland fans, this great start has come out of nowhere. But to star freshman edge rusher Sidney Stewart, it’s always been clear the Terps had the potential for this and much more.
“We always knew we had a championship-caliber team, and that’s not going to change no matter who we’re playing or what time we play,” Stewart said on Glenn Clark Radio Sept. 24. “We know who we are.”
The Terps’ hot streak has been triggered in no small part by Stewart, who has four sacks in four games. It’s rare for a true freshman edge rusher to be that productive, but the results aren’t surprising to Stewart. He felt like he performed well during early spring scrimmages.
Most recently, Maryland defeated Wisconsin, 27-10, to break a four-game losing streak the Terps had been on against the Badgers dating back to 2014. Stewart and his teammates are keeping their heads down and putting in work to keep up this form heading into their game against Washington on Oct. 4.
“I’m really excited for how much better we’re going to get because we’re still young. We’re going to keep churning, keep doing what we’ve been doing,” Stewart said.
Stewart is one of several true freshmen making an immediate impact. He said they’ve brought a freshness to the team and that their attitude wouldn’t change due to any external factors.
Stewart knows plenty of teams that start out hot get too comfortable after winning. Stewart noted that it’s “easy to get high on your horse” after a few wins, but the Terps have set a standard in the locker room.
“We’ve been grateful and appreciative of the support,” Stewart said, “but also knowing where to draw the line and keeping your head in the right area.”
Stewart shouted out his teammates on defense (Dontay Joyner, Zahir Mathis, Cam Rice and Mekhai White, to name a few) for the ability they bring to the field. Stewart also put a special emphasis on Daniel Wingate, a linebacker who does it all.
“He’s reliable, smart, and he can tell you your job and do his,” Stewart said. “Wingate is exactly what you would think he is. He’s a great leader, on and off the field. Funny guy, great to interact with. That’s my guy.”
When asked about his mentality heading into the Wisconsin game, Stewart referenced the idea of a dog chasing a person without knowing his or her name. He doesn’t care who he’s up against. It could be the next Patrick Mahomes or just any other guy.
“[A dog] is going to come and get you regardless,” Stewart said.
Stewart saw a familiar face across the field at Wisconsin in former Concordia Prep teammate Ernest Willor Jr., a defensive lineman for the Badgers. Stewart and Williams are friends.
Playing at Concordia Prep gave Stewart a different perspective of what makes a great team, something he has found at Maryland as well.
“We were able to foster hospitality, which invited a lot of talented guys,” Stewart said. “I just think us being more rounded as a school allowed us to attract certain players.”
For more from Stewart, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Maryland Athletics