Maryland’s pursuit of defensive help in the portal continues to heat up, and the next target on campus will be former VMI linebacker Stephen Dean , who has scheduled an official visit to College Park for Monday. The 6-foot-2, high‑motor defender is emerging as a name to watch as the Terps evaluate potential additions to bolster their linebacker room heading into the summer. As a transfer prospect in the 2026 cycle, Stephen Dean enters the portal with an 80 rating in the 247Sports Transfer Rankings , placing him No. 2,620 overall and among the listed linebackers in the class. While his numerical grade positions him as a developmental addition, his on‑field traits and experience make him an intriguing evaluation for programs seeking depth, special teams value, and a potential late‑cycle defensive contributor. Dean put together one of the most productive seasons in the SoCon during 2025, finishing with 117 total tackles, including 62 solo stops, as the centerpiece of VMI’s defense.…