Tagovailoa Announces Return For Senior Season
Press release...
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland’s record holder in every major career and single-season passing category, announced on Wednesday that he will return for his senior season to compete for the Terrapins in 2023.
One of the most illustrious quarterbacks in Maryland football history, Tagovailoa has helped ascend the Terps passing game to new heights during his three-year career. The quarterback has set Maryland career records for passing yards (7,879), passing touchdowns (51), total touchdowns (59), completions (665), completion percentage (67.4), 300-yard passing games (12), passing efficiency (146.2) and total offense (8,067). His current career completion percentage is the best of any Big Ten quarterback all-time.
In 2021, Tagovailoa set single-season records for passing yards (3,860), passing touchdowns (26), completions (328), completion percentage (69.2) and 300-yard passing games (seven). His passing yards number is the sixth-best mark of any Big Ten quarterback all-time.
The Ewa Beach, Hawaii native was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection in 2022 after leading Maryland to eight wins, its most since 2010. Tagovailoa threw for 3,008 yards, completing 262-of-391 passes and 18 touchdowns, while rushing for four more. He is one of only two FBS quarterbacks that played in 2022 to own their school’s career passing yards record despite playing three years or less (Will Rogers, Mississippi State).
Tagovailoa has led the Terps to back-to-back bowl wins for the first time since 2002-03. He was named the MVP of the 2021 New Era Pinstripe Bowl against Virginia Tech and helped the Terps take down No. 23 NC State in the 2022 Duke’s Mayo Bowl last month. Heading into his senior season, Tagovailoa has the most wins by any Maryland quarterback since Scott McBrien (2002-03) with 16.
A captain of the 2022 team, Tagovailoa will return to a Maryland offense that brings back All-Big Ten selections in running back Roman Hemby, tight end Corey Dyches and offensive lineman DJ Glaze, as well as adds transfer wide receivers Tyrese Chambers and Kaden Prather.
Message from Taulia:
“Who knew a kid from Hawaii could find a home in Maryland. But that’s exactly what I’ve found. Terp Nation - you’ve welcomed me with open arms since I stepped foot on campus and it has been a truly remarkable three years.
Over the past several days, I’ve given a great deal of thought and prayer about my future. I can’t thank my family enough for their support and guidance. You mean everything to me.
I also want to thank my coaches and teammates for always wanting what’s best for me. You push me to be the best version of myself - both on and off the field.
My goal when coming to Maryland was to help Coach Locksley turn this program around. After winning back-to-back bowl games, I believe we have things going in the right direction. But we’re not done yet. I’m not done yet.
After careful deliberation, I have decided to return for my senior season. It is an honor to be a student-athlete at the University of Maryland and to represent this great university.
I’m excited to continue my education, make a meaningful difference in the community, grow as a player and leader, and to help this team compete for a championship. As Coach Locks always says, The Best is Ahead.”