Maryland could be gearing up for a huge season in 2023.

The Terps have been quietly building a consistent program under Mike Locksley, having reached bowl eligibility in each of the past 2 seasons. Maryland could take a big step forward next season.

ESPN’s Chris Low is predicting Lockley’s team will do just that. Here’s Low’s explanation on why he believes Maryland will be the nation’s “breakout team” in 2023:

Mike Locksley enters his fifth season as Maryland’s coach, and the Terrapins have gotten better, more talented and more competitive each year. They’re coming off back-to-back winning seasons after suffering through six straight losing seasons from 2015-20. In addition, Maryland has capped each of the past two seasons with bowl victories. The biggest offseason news for the Terps was record-setting quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa announcing that he would return for the 2023 season. Two of Maryland’s five losses last season in the Big Ten were by a touchdown or less. With a quarterback the caliber of Tagovailoa returning and a defense that should be improved, the Terps will be better positioned to finish some of those close games and make a run at their first nine-win season or better in more than a decade.

With Taulia Tagovailoa set to return, Maryland’s offense should remain explosive going into next season. The Terps will need to replace multiple top receivers, but their defense is also expected to be improved in 2023.

Maryland does have a tough schedule that features games at Michigan State, at Ohio State and at Nebraska. The Terps will also host Michigan and Penn Sate next season.

Maryland is looking for its first 10-win season since 2003.