If you’re scrambling to find the Nebraska Maryland football kickoff time, you aren't alone. These Big Ten matchups often get shuffled around between the morning "Big Noon" slots and the late-afternoon windows. For the 2025 season showdown at SECU Stadium in College Park, the game officially kicked off at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT).
The game was broadcast on the Big Ten Network (BTN), which has become the primary home for these mid-tier conference clashes that carry massive implications for bowl eligibility.
Honestly, the timing of this game was pretty perfect for fans. A 3:30 p.m. start means you’ve got time for a real tailgate without waking up at the crack of dawn, but you aren't stuck in a stadium until midnight. Whether you were watching from a bar in Lincoln or sitting in the stands in Maryland, the weather and the window aligned for a classic Big Ten atmosphere.
Why the Nebraska Maryland Football Kickoff Time Matters So Much
Kickoff times aren't just about when the ball hits the tee. They dictate the entire rhythm of the weekend. For Nebraska, a team that travels as well as any fan base in the country, a mid-afternoon slot in the Eastern Time Zone is a bit of a logistical puzzle.
Maryland's SECU Stadium is a unique venue. It doesn't have the 90,000-seat intimidation factor of Memorial Stadium, but it can get loud, especially when the Terps are playing "Oktoberfest" themed games as they did for this 2025 matchup.
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The Stakes of the Matchup
Entering the game, both teams were sitting at 4-1. That’s a big deal. For Matt Rhule and the Huskers, this was a chance to prove that the early-season momentum wasn't just a fluke against "cupcake" non-conference opponents. For Mike Locksley and Maryland, it was about defending home turf against a blue-blood program that is trying to find its way back to relevance.
The game turned out to be a nail-biter. Nebraska walked away with a 34-31 victory, a scoreline that reflects just how evenly matched these two programs have become in the current Big Ten landscape.
How to Watch and Follow Future Matchups
If you missed the live action or you're planning for the next time these two meet, here is the breakdown of how to catch the game.
Television and Streaming Options:
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- Primary Broadcaster: Big Ten Network (BTN)
- Streaming: FOX Sports App (requires cable login)
- Alternative Streaming: FuboTV or YouTube TV
- Radio: Huskers Radio Network or Maryland Sports Radio Network
Historically, these games have a tendency to land in the afternoon window. While the Big Ten’s new TV deal with CBS, NBC, and FOX has changed the "prestige" rankings of certain time slots, the 3:30 p.m. ET window remains a staple for BTN.
A Look at the Series History
Nebraska and Maryland don't have a century-long rivalry. It’s a relatively new thing. Since Maryland joined the Big Ten, the series has been sporadic. Before the 2025 game, Maryland actually pulled off a defensive 13-10 win in Lincoln back in 2023. Nebraska, however, still leads the all-time series 3-1.
The 2025 game was significantly higher scoring than previous meetings. Nebraska’s offense, led by Emmett Johnson on the ground, finally looked like it had the explosive potential fans have been waiting for. Meanwhile, Maryland's passing attack kept them in it until the very last whistle.
Logistics for Fans Traveling to College Park
If you’re planning a trip for future games, College Park is a different beast than Lincoln. Traffic on the I-95 corridor is legendary for all the wrong reasons.
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- Parking: SECU Stadium parking lots generally open several hours before the nebraska maryland football kickoff time. If you don't have a pre-paid pass, you're going to end up in a satellite lot or a parking garage near the Metro.
- The Metro: If you're staying in D.C., take the Green Line. It’s way easier than trying to park. Just give yourself an extra 45 minutes because the walk from the station to the stadium is about a mile.
- Tailgating: Maryland fans are actually pretty welcoming. The "Oktoberfest" vibe they’ve been leaning into brings out some great local brews and food. It’s a lot more "Atlantic Coast" than the traditional Midwest tailgate, but it’s a good time.
Key Takeaways from the Recent Game
The 34-31 Nebraska win wasn't just a tally in the win column; it was a shift in narrative. Nebraska showed they could win a close game on the road—something that has been a massive hurdle for the program over the last decade.
Maryland, despite the loss, showed that their defense is legit. They forced turnovers and kept the game within a single possession despite Nebraska racking up over 450 yards of total offense.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the 2026 Schedule: Keep an eye on the Big Ten's "flex" scheduling, which usually announces official kickoff times 6 to 12 days before the game.
- Download the Apps: Ensure you have the FOX Sports and Husker/Terrapin official apps for real-time alerts.
- Watch the Replay: If you have BTN+, you can usually find the full game replay or "60 minutes in 60" condensed versions of the game.
Keep your eyes on the late-May announcements from the Big Ten office for next year's early-season windows, though late-season games like this one will almost always remain "TBD" until the season is well underway.