ANNAPOLIS, MD – Daniel Wingate has been named the recipient of the 2025 Louis L. Goldstein Gold Helmet Award, presented annually to the Most Outstanding Player at the University of Maryland.

Wingate put together one of the most productive defensive seasons in recent program history, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition after starting all 12 games for the Terrapins. He led Maryland and ranked sixth in the Big Ten with 102 total tackles, a mark that placed 35th nationally. Wingate became the first Terp to surpass 100 tackles in a season since Tre Watson during his All-American campaign in 2018.

"I want to thank my family for sacrificing so much for me and giving me the opportunity to attend private school and receive a great education," said Wingate at the annual awards banquet. "I'm also grateful to Coach Locksley for believing in me. I wasn't highly recruited coming out of high school, but he and the Maryland staff took a chance on me and have supported me every step of the way. I'm thankful for the love and belief they've shown throughout my career."

A consistent force in the middle of the defense, Wingate ranked second in the Big Ten and tied for seventh nationally with 62 solo tackles. He added 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception and two quarterback hurries. Wingate recorded five double-digit tackle performances, including a career-high 14 against NIU. He totaled 11 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry in Maryland's road win at Wisconsin to earn Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors. He also notched his first career interception against FAU, returning it for a touchdown.

Wingate's impact extended beyond the stat sheet. Voted a 2025 team captain and the team's Most Valuable Player by his teammates, he anchored the defense while playing through a high ankle sprain for much of the season.

"Daniel plays with tremendous toughness," said Terps head coach Michael Locksley. "He battled through a high ankle sprain for most of the year and never made excuses. He's a tremendous leader in our locker room and an outstanding example for our younger players. This honor is well deserved."