Pharrel Payne returns to Maryland for 2026-27 season, AD confirms
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 11:47 PM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
Maryland forward Pharrel Payne will return for the 2026-27 season, as confirmed by athletic director Jim Smith during an interview on the Big Ten Network. Payne, who suffered a right knee injury that limited him to 10 games last season, led the Terps in scoring with an average of 17.5 points per game. His absence contributed to a challenging 12-21 season for Maryland. Smith expressed optimism about the team's prospects, citing new players joining the roster, including transfers and freshmen. Payne received a medical waiver from the NCAA, allowing his return to the program.
- •Pharrel Payne averaged 17.5 points in limited action last season.
- •The Terps finished the 2025-26 season with a 12-21 record.
- •New additions include transfers and a ranked freshman class.
- •Jim Smith highlighted the importance of Payne's contributions on the team.
- 11:47 PMYahoo Sports — Maryland forward Pharrel Payne returning next season, AD Jim Smith says
"Maryland power forward Pharrel Payne will return to the team for the upcoming 2026-27 season, athletic director Jim Smith told the Big Ten Network on Monday. “We’re going to get Pharrel Payne back,” Smith told the Big Ten Network. Payne, who followed coach Buzz Williams from Texas A&M to College Park, received a medical waiver from the NCAA, a team spokesman confirmed.
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