Student reporters went looking for answers at Maryland. They got police instead

Student reporters went looking for answers at Maryland. They obtained police instead.

Key points

• 21, 2026, regarding two individuals who were standing outside of Jones Hill House.
• He compiled a 17-52 mark in the Major Ten, along with three bowl game victories.
• Maryland is on bye in Week 8 and then hosts Illinois at noon ET on Saturday, Oct.
• Toppmeyer: Why Brian Kelly to Maryland football isn't as crazy as you'd think.
• After a USA TODAY Sports report, the school unveiled it parting with Locksley on Wednesday, Oct.

Student reporters went looking for answers at Maryland. They obtained police instead. John Leuzzi USA TODAY NETWORK. Editor's Note: This story has been updated with new information.

Two University of Maryland student journalists were asked to leave their positions outside the program's training facility after attempting to speak with Maryland football players after the dismissal of Mike Locksley on Wednesday, Oct. 21, one of the students posted on social media. The request to leave by police allegedly came from the school's athletic department.

In the video below, the two students. This person work for SB Nation's Testudo Times, remarked they believed they were standing in places they were allowed to stand, as Maryland is a public university, to which the officer who was taking down their information stated, "I don't disagree with you."

WHO IS NEXT? Who will replace Mike Locksley? The top candidates Maryland should consider.

Nolan Rogalski, one of the students involved and managing editor of the student-run outlet, remarked a Maryland athletics staffer took a photo of him and Jude Wilkenfeld, the other reporter, and that police were called in response to "suspicious activity" for the two standing outside the facility.

In an official note provided to USA TODAY Sports, Maryland Athletics and the University of Maryland Police Department remarked that no report was taken on the incident after learning that the two individuals outside the building were with a campus media organization. According to Both departments additionally, they respect the First Amendment rights of all journalists reporting in public spaces.

"UMPD was contacted today, Oct. 21, 2026, regarding two individuals who were standing outside of Jones Hill House. Due to heightened reservations for staff and player safety around the football program in recent weeks, there has been climbed security around athletics facilities. A UMPD officer approached the two individuals, learned they were with a campus media organization, recorded student IDs, and no report was taken, " the statement read.

"UMPD and Maryland Athletics respect the First Amendment rights of all journalists reporting in public spaces."

After a USA TODAY Sports report, the school unveiled it parting with Locksley on Wednesday, Oct. 21 after the Terrapins dropped their fifth straight game last weekend in a 37-30 loss to Rutgers.

Defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim. This person was promoted to full-time defensive coordinator on Sunday by Locksley after the firing of Ted Monachino, will serve as the program's interim coach as the university begins its search for a permanent coach immediately.

During his tenure at Maryland, Locksley led the Terrapins to a 39-54 overall record that includes six games as an interim coach in 2015 and his hiring full-time before the 2019 season. He compiled a 17-52 mark in the Major Ten, along with three bowl game victories.

Maryland is on bye in Week 8 and then hosts Illinois at noon ET on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Meanwhile, the USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news – fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. SMS Facebook Twitter Email. Share your feedback to support improve our site! Share your feedback to support improve our site!

Taken together, the developments around student reporters went looking for answers at Maryland. They got police instead point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.