---
title: Former Terp and NFL Star Returns as Homecoming Grand Marshal
date: 2026-10-06T14:00:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/former-terp-and-nfl-star-returns-as-homecoming-grand-marshal"
section: Articles
---
# Former Terp and NFL Star Returns as Homecoming Grand Marshal
*October 6, 2026* — by [John Tucker](/author/john-tucker)
> Vernon Davis returns to campus to stoke Maryland pride.
*221007 mlm umd halloffame 112 1920x1080 — UMD's 2026 Homecoming Grand Marshal Vernon Davis '07 was an exceptional receiver and blocker for Terps football, Davis leading in receptions and receiving yards in 2004 and 2005. He was inducted into the[ University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame](https://umterps.com/news/2022/8/8/terrapin-athletics-marylands-2022-hall-of-fame-class-announced.aspx) in 2022. (Photo by Maryland Athletics)*
Vernon Davis ’07 was a first-team all-American tight end, NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. Now he’s comfortable cheering in the stands at SECU Stadium for his son, freshman running back Jianni Davis.
They’ll both be on the field, however, for the Oct. 17 game vs. Rutgers, when Vernon will serve as the 2026[ Homecoming](https://homecoming.umd.edu/) grand marshal, the University of Maryland announced on Tuesday. The honor is bestowed on notable alums, leaders and other dignitaries to promote Maryland pride. Davis will be recognized at the game, participating in the coin toss. (The game will kick off at 12:30 p.m. and be televised on the Big Ten Network.)
“It’s going to be pretty cool to be standing on the same field I played on as a young man,” he said. “To have my son there watching it all will be a full-circle moment.”
*Vernon Davis runs with a football for the Terps — Vernon Davis '07 during his Terps football days. (Photo by Maryland Athletics)*
**Topics:** [Athletics](https://today.umd.edu/tags/athletics)
**Units:** [Department of Intercollegiate Athletics](https://today.umd.edu/topic/department-intercollegiate-athletics)