Ravens, Terps Strengthen Maryland Bond Before 20,185 Fans At Historic SECU Stadium Practice
8/1/2026 4:57:00 PM | Football
COLLEGE PARK, MD — For one afternoon, the home of Maryland football belonged to the Baltimore Ravens. Judging by the response from the 20,185 fans packed into SECU Stadium, it felt like the two programs had always shared the same field.
The Ravens' first-ever practice at the University of Maryland was much more than a training camp stop. It became a celebration of football across the state, bringing together current Terrapins, former Maryland greats, Ravens stars and thousands of fans in a landmark event that underscored the growing connection between College Park and Baltimore.
The ties between the two programs were impossible to miss.
Former Maryland stars Torrey Smith and Jermaine Lewis received thunderous ovations from the crowd as they returned to SECU Stadium, reminders of the proud football tradition that has connected generations of Terrapins fans.
Baltimore native Derik Queen, the former Maryland basketball standout now with the New Orleans Pelicans, also made the trip to support his favorite football team. His presence illustrated how the Ravens have become a unifying force across Maryland athletics, extending well beyond the football field.
Just months ago, Smith electrified the same stadium wearing Maryland colors. Saturday, he ran routes in purple and black, greeted by familiar cheers from fans who watched him emerge as one of the Terrapins' biggest playmakers last season.
Bullock also returned to his college home, another example of Maryland's pipeline to Baltimore continuing to grow.
"Shout out to the fans," Jackson said. "I was really surprised to see how many people came out for a practice. It was dope. It was a dope experience. I love Flock Nation. Love all the supporters. Let's bring it over to the preseason games as well."
Jackson even found himself reminiscing about his own college days.
"I haven't been in college in nine years," he said. "It felt like I was in college again."
For first-year Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, practicing in a packed stadium offered valuable preparation before Baltimore opens preseason play. More importantly, it demonstrated the reach of the Ravens throughout the state.
"I think we have the best fan base in the world," Minter said. "For us to be able to take the show on the road and still have all these people show up, it's cool. For the young players especially, it's the closest thing we can do to simulate what it's going to be like a couple of weeks from now when we're in a preseason game. I love our fan base, and much appreciation to them for coming out."
Saturday's practice also marked the Ravens' inaugural fan engagement event in Prince George's County, expanding the franchise's footprint while strengthening its relationship with communities throughout Maryland.
The event demonstrated that the Ravens' identity stretches well beyond Baltimore's city limits. It belongs to the entire state.
On a field where Terrapins dream of reaching the NFL, current players watched future possibilities unfold just a few yards away. Former Maryland stars returned as celebrated alumni. Ravens players with Terps roots came home. Fans filled every corner of SECU Stadium to witness a first that felt destined to become a tradition.
For one summer afternoon, there was no distinction between Terps Nation and Ravens Flock. There was only Maryland football—and 20,185 fans proving that the bond between the state's flagship university and its NFL franchise has never been stronger.
The Ravens' first-ever practice at the University of Maryland was much more than a training camp stop. It became a celebration of football across the state, bringing together current Terrapins, former Maryland greats, Ravens stars and thousands of fans in a landmark event that underscored the growing connection between College Park and Baltimore.
Current Maryland quarterback Malik Washington stood on the sideline with many of his Terrapins teammates, soaking in the opportunity to watch one of the NFL's premier franchises up close. The highlight came after practice when Washington shared a jersey swap with Ravens superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, a symbolic passing of respect between Maryland's present and one of the league's brightest stars.The Flock showed up in a major way in PG County 😈 pic.twitter.com/ElPovea1Wj
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 1, 2026
Head coach Michael Locksley also took in the festivities as Maryland welcomed the Ravens to campus, reinforcing a relationship that continues to produce NFL talent.Game recognizes games 🤝@malikw2025 x @Lj_era8 pic.twitter.com/O1zufv4k28
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) August 1, 2026
The ties between the two programs were impossible to miss.
Former Maryland stars Torrey Smith and Jermaine Lewis received thunderous ovations from the crowd as they returned to SECU Stadium, reminders of the proud football tradition that has connected generations of Terrapins fans.
Baltimore native Derik Queen, the former Maryland basketball standout now with the New Orleans Pelicans, also made the trip to support his favorite football team. His presence illustrated how the Ravens have become a unifying force across Maryland athletics, extending well beyond the football field.
No reunion was more fitting than those of Ravens rookie receiver Octavian Smith Jr. and third-year lineman Corey Bullock.Welcomed back a key part of the Maryland Football family ❤️🐢 pic.twitter.com/txh7BAyleB
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) August 1, 2026
Just months ago, Smith electrified the same stadium wearing Maryland colors. Saturday, he ran routes in purple and black, greeted by familiar cheers from fans who watched him emerge as one of the Terrapins' biggest playmakers last season.
Bullock also returned to his college home, another example of Maryland's pipeline to Baltimore continuing to grow.
While fans came hoping for a glimpse of Lamar Jackson, even the two-time NFL MVP admitted the turnout exceeded expectations.Brought the community together 🐢🐦⬛ pic.twitter.com/hU5SiUPMJV
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) August 1, 2026
"Shout out to the fans," Jackson said. "I was really surprised to see how many people came out for a practice. It was dope. It was a dope experience. I love Flock Nation. Love all the supporters. Let's bring it over to the preseason games as well."
Jackson even found himself reminiscing about his own college days.
"I haven't been in college in nine years," he said. "It felt like I was in college again."
The electric atmosphere made an impression throughout the organization.Back where it all started 🐢
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) August 1, 2026
A homecoming for @octaviansmithjr and a great day for the Ravens community in College Park. pic.twitter.com/YDBJ3cX4LZ
For first-year Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, practicing in a packed stadium offered valuable preparation before Baltimore opens preseason play. More importantly, it demonstrated the reach of the Ravens throughout the state.
"I think we have the best fan base in the world," Minter said. "For us to be able to take the show on the road and still have all these people show up, it's cool. For the young players especially, it's the closest thing we can do to simulate what it's going to be like a couple of weeks from now when we're in a preseason game. I love our fan base, and much appreciation to them for coming out."
Saturday's practice also marked the Ravens' inaugural fan engagement event in Prince George's County, expanding the franchise's footprint while strengthening its relationship with communities throughout Maryland.
The event demonstrated that the Ravens' identity stretches well beyond Baltimore's city limits. It belongs to the entire state.
On a field where Terrapins dream of reaching the NFL, current players watched future possibilities unfold just a few yards away. Former Maryland stars returned as celebrated alumni. Ravens players with Terps roots came home. Fans filled every corner of SECU Stadium to witness a first that felt destined to become a tradition.
For one summer afternoon, there was no distinction between Terps Nation and Ravens Flock. There was only Maryland football—and 20,185 fans proving that the bond between the state's flagship university and its NFL franchise has never been stronger.
Let's have a day, Marylanders! ❤️💜 pic.twitter.com/LLC5UtENkd
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) August 1, 2026
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