Maryland freshman linebacker Branden Jennings entered the transfer portal on Tuesday, a team spokesperson confirmed.
With freshman linebacker Terrence Lewis also entering the portal Monday, the Terps have seen two of their top three players from the 2021 recruiting class that was ranked fourth in the Big Ten and No. 18 in the nation decide to play elsewhere.
Lewis was a five-star recruit and considered the best inside linebacker in the country, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. Lewis, who previously committed to Tennesee, became Maryland’s fourth highest-rated recruit when he signed with the Terps in January.
It was the second straight recruiting class where Locksley was able to flip a five-star recruit. In 2020, sophomore wide receiver Rakim Jarrett decided to come to College Park after committing to LSU.
Lewis didn’t play during the regular season as he recovered from ACL surgery he had in January.
Jennings, a former four-star recruit, jumped into the starting lineup after junior linebacker Fa’Najae Gotay was injured in the season opener against West Virginia.
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Jennings played in seven games (three starting appearances) but was slowed by a leg injury in the second half of the season. Still, he showed promise and had 23 tackles and a forced fumble.
Maryland’s linebacker room was shaping up to be one of the best position groups with sophomore Ruben Hyppolite II and freshman Demeioun Robinson, a former four-star from Quince Orchard.
In addition to Jennings and Lewis, sophomore running back Peny Boone announced Sunday on Twitter that he was leaving the program. The Terps became bowl eligible for the first time since 2016 with a 40-16 win over Rutgers on Saturday.