MM 6.23: Maryland men’s basketball star Pharrel Payne officially returning for 2026-27 season

· Yahoo Sports

Dec 2, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Pharrel Payne (21) reacts after dunking during the second half against the Wagner Seahawks at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

A move that was long expected for the Terps was announced as official Monday, when Athletic Director Jim Smith spoke the on Big Ten Network and confirmed that the Terps would get Payne back for the 2026-27 season.

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The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game for Maryland. In his 10 starts, he shot 62% from the floor and 72% from the free throw line.

The Terps have changed dramatically since Payne last stepped on the court. In that game against Michigan, the Terps fielded Andre Mills, George Turkson, Solomon Washington, Diggy Coit, Aleks Alston, Elijah Saunders, Collin Metcalf, Darius Adams and Myles Rice. The latter seven have all left College Park, Turkson will likely be buried on the depth chart, and Mills will have to fight to keep his starting spot.

With the man Smith called the team’s “linchpin” back patrolling the paint, the Terps have a far better chance to improve on a tumultuous first season under head coach Buzz Williams.

In other news

Smith also spoke about Maryland football and its local talent.

Maryland football earned commitments from three-star class of 2027 wide receiver Mason McClure.

Three-star class of 2027 defensive lineman Zeke Walkup also committed to the Terps.

Maryland baseball’s Brayden Martin received an invite to the MLB Draft Combine.

Former Terp Aaron Wiggins will continue saving basketball at a new stop — he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks.

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