Inside Maryland Sports Radio

Maryland legend Walt Williams joins the show for the basketball season preview, walking through the roster position by position and giving his ceiling for this team. It's also a football show in the second half: the crew updates the coaching hot list with front-runners, contenders and long shots a week after Locksley's firing.

In this episode:

- Details from the closed-door scrimmage at Virginia Tech: Pharrel Payne sat out, Tomislav Buljan went for 16 and 5, and Andre Mills impressed Virginia Tech coach Mike Young

- A tier-by-tier roster breakdown: who starts, who rotates, and where the drop-off is

- Walt Williams on DJ Wagner's court vision, Baba Oladotun's adjustment curve, and why Payne is the one player this team cannot afford to lose

- Walt's ceiling for the season: top-25 team during the regular season, Sweet 16 or Elite 8 with Payne healthy

- The coaching hot board updated, with Jake Dickert, Jason Eck and Charles Huff as front-runners and Dennard Wilson debated

- Fill in the blank with Walt: his PPG on this roster, most overrated opponent ever, and that iced-out wizard medallion

Chapters:

0:41 Intro and new theme music

1:26 Virginia Tech scrimmage details: Payne out, Buljan goes for 16 and 5

4:43 Conference expansion and ACC's uncertain future

9:00 Schedule preview and KenPom projections

17:48 Roster tier breakdown: starters, rotation, situational, reserve

38:40 Walt Williams joins: scrimmage, roster impressions, DJ Wagner's court vision

44:17 Walt on team chemistry, unselfishness and Baba Oladotun's adjustment

53:49 Walt's senior year: scoring streaks, steals record and his teammates

59:50 Walt's season prediction: top 25, Sweet 16 or Elite 8 if Payne stays healthy

1:01:31 Fill in the blank with Walt Williams

1:06:15 Football coaching hot list: front-runners, contenders and long shots

1:19:17 Maryland Rank 'Em: games, players, coaches, shots and fan types

Mike Locksley was fired on a Wednesday morning — not the Sunday after the final game many expected — and that unusual timing sets the tone for a coaching search that could move faster than most. The crew breaks down what Locksley got right over eight seasons, who Maryland should call first, and why Jason Eck and Jake Dickert keep rising to the top of every list. CBS Sports national college football reporter John Talty, also Maryland grad, joins to offer a multi-layered view on the search and the state of the sport.

In this episode:

- Why the firing came mid-week, and what the earlier dismissal of Ted Monachino did and didn't signal about Locksley's future
- A honest accounting of what Locksley built: three straight bowl wins, Taulia Tagovailoa's record-setting career, and a program stabilized after Jordan McNair's death
- Jeff's 14-name coaching hot board, with Eck and Dickert drawing the most praise from both the hosts and guest John Talty
- Talty on why Maryland is "first to market" and how the thin coaching vacancy landscape this cycle could actually help the Terps land a quality hire early
- Men's basketball's 90-81 overtime exhibition win over West Virginia: Pharrel Payne, Andre Mills, and a freshman Kaden House who already looks college-ready
- A preview of next week's basketball kickoff show with special guest Walt Williams

Chapters:
0:02 Intro and show setup
1:33 Mike Locksley fired: the unusual Wednesday timing
6:25 Jim Smith's communication during the process
13:30 Locksley's legacy: what he got right in eight seasons
20:43 Coaching hot board 1.0: Jeff's 14 candidates
30:53 Guest John Talty on the search, the vacancy landscape, and his top picks
52:22 Secondary and former-Terp candidates reviewed
1:15:11 Non-revenue sports report with Wheels
1:17:27 Men's basketball exhibition recap and roster observations
1:29:12 Shell Yeah or Shell No: football hire, tournament odds, and Payne's All-Big Ten chances

With Jeff out sick, Larry, Paul and Wheels dig into the two biggest stories in Maryland athletics: whether AD Jim Smith will part ways with Mike Locksley after the Rutgers homecoming game, and what the men's basketball scrimmage win over Georgia Tech actually tells us about Buzz Williams's rebuilt roster. Jeff passed along two exclusive tidbits — one on the football coaching search and one on a recruiting battle — that give the episode some real news to chew on. In this episode: - The case for and against firing Locksley during the upcoming bye week, and why the reported lack of internal interim candidates has Paul questioning Jim Smith's operation - Jeff's football coaching and basketball recruiting tidbit. Scrimmage breakdown: Kaden House's impressive debut, Baba Oladotun's upside, Mike McNair's shooting range, and early injury concerns for Tomislav Buljan - Big Ten power ratings, playoff projections, and the weekly picks showdown with Wheels filling in for Jeff - Non-revs report covering field hockey, women's soccer, men's soccer, volleyball, and men's lacrosse.

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro and show housekeeping: Jeff out sick, musical intros, 2001 team reunion reminder
• 4:14 AJ Francis canned food drive and Shawne Merriman coat drive at Rutgers homecoming game
• 5:58 Maryland football: Ohio State loss recap, Locksley firing debate
• 19:11 Jeff's football tidbit
• 28:10 Big Ten power ratings, playoff projections, and pick 'em scoreboard
• 36:00 Non-revs report: field hockey, women's soccer, men's soccer, volleyball, men's lacrosse
• 39:21 Men's basketball scrimmage breakdown: Kaden House, Baba Oladotun, and the full roster
• 56:53 Jeff's basketball tidbit: Maryland could land a big fish
• 1:06:11 SAVE College Sports Act discussion and John Ourand guest preview
• 1:09:08 Fill in the blank segment and show wrap

VIDEO: Terps Therapy - A Psychological Examination of the Maryland Football Fan
Years of Maryland football have clearly taken a toll on all of us, and this season has been particularly brutal. So, in this special edition of IMS Radio, Larry puts the entire Maryland football fanbase on the therapist's couch for Terp Therapy - A Psychological Examination of the Maryland Football Fan. Through a humorous examination of psychology, philosophy, theology, and mythology, he attempts to answer one simple question: What exactly is wrong with us?
He explores the Five Stages of Grief, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the Seven Deadly Sins, and the Hero's Journey to understand the emotional roller coaster of being a Maryland football fan. From irrational preseason optimism and crushing disappointment to anger, apathy, and the inevitable belief that next year will finally be different. It's part football analysis, part group therapy, and part existential crisis. There may be no known cure for Maryland football fandom, but at least we're all suffering together.

The Mike Locksley era at Maryland is approaching its final days, and the latest IMS Radio didn't dance around it. Jeff, Paul and Larry broke down where things stand after three straight losses dropped the Terps to 2-3 and turned what was supposed to be a prove-it season into what now looks like a farewell tour.

When will AD Jim Smith make a move or a comment on Locksley's status? Where do things go from here?

We also got into the Terps basketball side, where Buzz Williams' second season is generating real optimism after last year's 11-21 debut. The roster overhaul has been dramatic, the early returns from summer work have been positive. What would qualify as Williams can realistically turning this thing around with a group that includes DJ Wagner, Pharrel Payne and five-star freshman Baba Oladotun?

And because no IMS Radio episode is complete without someone getting humbled, we closed with Terps hoops trivia, and let's just say the results were not kind to everyone on set. Tune in for more on what's shaping up to be one of the most consequential stretches in recent Maryland athletics history.

With the sun seemingly setting on Mike Locksley's time as Maryland football's head coach, the IMS Crew breaks down the expected timeline of his likely departure, why it hasn't happened yet and what the chances are of him surviving.

Also:

-- Has Malik Washington been disappointing?

-- Will Washington and other players stay if there's a coaching change?

-- Who could be the interim coach if a move is made?

-- What are AD Jim Smith's expectations from the program?

Plus, we answer your questions about Maryland sports!

Mike Locksley's seat is scalding after another big-game loss. Could Maryland make a move? Will the Terps rebound against UCLA? And what have been the biggest issues limiting Maryland football's success.

Plus a bunch of Terps hoops talk as the season gets closer and the scoop on one player opening eyes.

Previewing the big showdown between Virginia Tech and Maryland this weekend:

-- Unit by unit breakdown of which team is better?

-- What will the percentage be of Terps vs. Hokies in the stands?

-- Has Malik Washington proved he's ready?

-- Predictions for the weekend's biggest games.

-- Who wins, Terps or Hokies?

Plus, Ralph Friedgen previews the game, shares wild stories from his coaching days and offers some observations of Mike Locksley's team.

Recapping the Terps 62-0 win over Hampton in the opener, looking ahead to week 2 at UConn, with an appearance from Maryland football's standout center, Michael Hershey.

Plus: What's the word on DeJuan Williams?

Which top-50 basketball recruit could be a Terp soon?

Looking ahead to Maryland-Virginia Tech

How many games will Mike Locksley coach at Maryland next year?

With kickoff of the most important season of his career days away, Maryland football coach Mike Locksley talked about the upcoming season, why he declined a reporter's question, Dontay Joyner's return and more.

From Maryland football's eight-game losing streak to men's basketball's school-record-tying 21 losses, it was a nightmarish year for Maryland athletics. Even a couple of legendary coaches, Sasho Cirovski (soccer) and John Tillman (men's lacrosse) weren't immune from the dark cloud.

Will Maryland bounce back next year? How much hope is there for Terps fans? Can Jim Smith right the ship? And will the new proposed bill restore sanity to college sports? Paul, Jeff and Tony break it all down on the latest IMS Radio.

IMS Radio – Be The Best Podcast – Season 1, Episode 13 – Season Wrap

With Maryland’s loss in the Big Ten Semifinals against Penn State, the Terps missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. This week’s podcast covers the direction of the program moving forward, NIL and revenue share for the program, and Maryland’s ability to land high school recruits.

The guys also discuss the proposed changes to the NCAA Tournament selection criteria and how that might affect Coach Tillman’s scheduling. Finally, the guys go through the NCAA Tournament bracket and give their picks.

IMS Radio – Be The Best Podcast – Season 1, Episode 12 – Daniel Kelly and Bubba Fairman

Two legends joined the Be The Best Podcast this week. Daniel Kelly, former Terps’ attackman, and Bubba Fairman, for All-American midfielder, traded stories about their recruiting journeys and time in College Park.

The guys recapped the win over Rutgers, previewed Thursday night’s Big Ten Semifinal game against Penn State, and then briefly touched on the other Big Ten Semifinal game between Michigan and Johns Hopkins.

Finally, the guys covered the upcoming Ivy League tournament in Ithaca, NY and the ACC Tournament down in Charlotte, NC. Those tournaments will impact the NCAA Tournament bubble.

After an extended hiatus, IMS Radio is back and it didn’t take long for the conversation to hit full speed!

Jeff Ermann, Paul Douglas and Tony Wheeler reconvene to break down a whirlwind stretch for Maryland basketball, where roster movement has dominated the headlines. Transfers in, transfers out, reshaping the identity of the program—it’s been nonstop, and the group dug into what it all means for Buzz Williams’ first full offseason at the helm.

But the biggest news could be yet to come, as Jeff revealed his big scoop on Thursday at InsideMDSports.com. It would be a major recruiting win, the kind that shifts expectations and adds real intrigue to the Terps' roster’s long-term ceiling.

Beyond basketball, the episode also delivers insight from the football side, including what we're hearing from spring camp. There’s growing optimism about the team’s trajectory, with key pieces developing.

IMS Radio’s return sets the stage for a busy, pivotal stretch across both programs.

IMS Radio – Be The Best Podcast – Season 1, Episode 11 – George Stamos and Will Schaller

The Terps suffered a tough loss to Johns Hopkins in The Rivalry last weekend, so having two All-Americans in George Stamos and Will Schaller visit the pod was much needed. George and Will talked about the paths to college lacrosse and Maryland in particular.

George talks about coming out of Northern Virginia as a four-sport athlete, including all-state for football in Virginia. Will talked about his path from hockey to lacrosse at Maryland. They talked about playing in Big Ten and the “Be the Best” mentality of the program.

After the players left, the guys recapped the loss to the Blue Jays, including the controversial one-handed goal that the Blue Jays scored in the fourth quarter. The guys also make their picks for three games this weekend – Syracuse at Notre Dame, Harvard at Cornell, and Duke at North Carolina.

IMS Radio – Be The Best Podcast – Season 1, Episode 10 – Jared Bernhardt

The Terps continue to roll after a big win over Rutgers, and the Be The Best Podcast rolls along with them. Terrapin legend and Tewaaraton winner Jared Bernhardt joins the podcast this week. Jared talks about the impact that his father, Jim, made not just on the Bernhardt family but on so many others throughout his life.

Jared also talks about his career at Maryland, his time in the NFL, and what it’s like to be part of The Rivalry with Johns Hopkins. The whole group recaps Maryland’s 12-2 win over Rutgers, they recap other notable games from last week, and they talk about this weekend’s game in Baltimore against the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays.

Finally, guys finish by making their picks in other national games of importance this weekend – Notre Dame at Duke, North Carolina at Virginia, and Michigan

IMS Radio – Be The Best Podcast – Season 1, Episode 9

The Terps continued their winning ways with an overtime thriller against ninth-ranked Ohio State in SECU Stadium. One of the guests on this week’s episode, Riley Reese, scored the game winner. His teammates Marco Signorello and Braden Erksa joined him on the podcast.

The guys talked about who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Maryland lacrosse and who would represent Maryland Lacrosse if they were ever invited on Family Feud.

After the players left, we discussed three games of national importance last week that also helped Maryland’s post-season metrics profile before discussing this week’s game against Rutgers in SECU Stadium. Finally, we previewed four other national games of importance on this weekend’s slate of game.

Next week, the podcast will welcome a Maryland legend. Stay tuned!

IMS Radio – Be The Best Podcast – Season 1, Episode 8

The Terps bounced back in a big way against Michigan last weekend, and the Be The Best Podcast carried the good vibes forward. The guys welcomed Terrapin alum Joe Cummings to the show to talk about his time in College Park and the work he does as a teacher and coach at the Memphis University School in Tennessee.

Joe hung around to recap the Maryland win over Michigan, as well as previewing next week’s crucial matchup against Ohio State.

Joe and the guys briefly talked about Penn State’s big win over Ohio State, Rutgers’ massive win over Johns Hopkins in heartbreaking fashion for the Jays, and Virginia’s win over former national number one Notre Dame.

We ended the podcast with some picks for next weekend – Penn State travelling to Johns Hopkins, Syracuse travelling to North Carolina, and new national number one Richmond facing off at a neutral site in Chicago against Notre Dame.

IMS Radio – Be The Best Podcast – Season 1, Episode 7

Coming off a letdown loss at Penn State last weekend, the Be The Best Podcast needed a boost. Enter this week’s guest and Maryland lacrosse legend, Matt Rambo. The multiyear All-American who left Maryland as the program’s all-time scoring leader and was part of the team that ended Maryland’s four-decade National Championship drought in 2017. Matt also won the Tewaaraton Award for the nation’s best player, the first Terp to win that award.

Matt has played professionally in the outdoor game for 10 years and played indoor for his hometown Philadelphia Wings for several years. Matt stayed on with us as we went through some national picks for the week ahead.

After Matt left, we discussed last week’s 10-6 loss at Penn State and where that loss leaves the Terps. We finally previewed ahead to this week’s game at Michigan, who has a four-game winning streak against the Terps.

IMS Radio – Be The Best Podcast – Season 1, Episode 6

The Terps had a huge, three-overtime win against Virginia. The Be The Best Podcast welcomes LSMs AJ Larkin and Trevor Owens to the show. Larkin and Owens talk about their paths to College Park, how NIL has changed the way they view career opportunities, and how mentoring players is part of the culture in the lacrosse program.

We then review Maryland’s win over Virginia and then quickly review three games of national interest – Ohio State’s rock fight win over Denver, Notre Dame’s big defensive effort against Michigan, and North Carolina’s win over Penn State.

We then preview Maryland’s upcoming game against Penn State before making picks on three other of next weekend’s games – Army at North Carolina, Michigan at Johns Hopkins, and Cornell’s visit to Princeton.