The Crab Five is long gone, and Maryland head coach Buzz Williams has to find a way to build a formidable roster.
Williams’ first season in College Park has been defined by injuries, uncertainty and more downs than ups. Williams accepted the job on April 2, 2025, leaving little time to build a roster before the transfer portal closed on April 22. As a result, the team was assembled quickly.
That reality, however, has not stopped fans from questioning the decision to hire Williams — or even whether he should return next season.
The reality is that Williams will be back next year, and his 2026 recruiting class could help reshape the program. The class, headlined by five-star Silver Spring native Baba Oladotun, has the potential to be Maryland’s strongest since 2018, when Jalen Smith, Aaron Wiggins and Eric Ayala arrived in College Park. The class also includes commitments from Kaden House, Adama Tambedou and Austin Brown.
It has been a frustrating season for the Terrapins (8-12, 1-8 Big Ten), but Maryland has 12 players who could potentially return next season.
As Maryland prepares to host to Purdue on Feb. 1, here are three current players who could help the program in 2026-27:
Pharrel Payne
Senior forward Pharrel Payne is the most notable potential returner. The Texas A&M transfer is currently sidelined with an injury, but when healthy, he plays a vital role for the Terrapins.
Payne, who has been out since Dec. 13, is averaging 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. It remains to be seen whether he will return this season or pursue a medical redshirt. Regardless, his leadership and overall skill set could prove valuable alongside freshman forward Baba Oladotun.
Darius Adams
Darius Adams, a five-star recruit, was a McDonald’s All-American who committed to Maryland after reopening his recruitment following a decommitment from UConn.
The Manchester, N.J., native is the Terrapins’ third-leading scorer, averaging 11.9 points per game behind Payne and graduate guard Diggy Coit (15.2). At 6‑foot‑5, Adams’ size and length give him the potential to add versatility as he continues to develop at the college level.
Andre Mills
Redshirt freshman guard Andre Mills followed Williams to College Park. The Boston native was originally recruited to Texas A&M, where he redshirted his freshman season.
Mills has played consistently for the Terrapins and has the potential to become a key depth piece moving forward. Mills averages 23.6 minutes per game and contributes in multiple areas, including scoring (8.6 points per game) and rebounding (3.8 per game).
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