- November 04, 2025
- By Maryland Today Staff
In a rare Homecoming Week that overlapped with Halloween, Terps dressed up as dinosaurs, the Mandalorian, princesses and hot dogs—but mostly as Maryland fans.
Events kicked off with Student Entertainment Events’ sold-out comedy show starring “Saturday Night Live’s” Marcello Hernández, and continued with a showing of “Top Gun: Maverick” in SECU Stadium for Tuesday Night Lights, Teddy’s Pup Parade and Terp Carnival, all in the run-up to Saturday’s football matchup against No. 2 Indiana.
At every turn, from giveaways to games to the meet-and-greet with our 2025 grand marshals, Terps mixed spooky spirit with school spirit. See all the action below:
Kirwan Hall was among the many campus buildings—more than ever before—that were lit up in red during Homecoming Week. (Photo by Dylan Singleton)
“Saturday Night Live’s” Marcello Hernández headlined this year’s sold-out Homecoming Comedy Show, hosted by Student Entertainment Events on Sunday evening. Hernandez, who opened for castmate Colin Jost at UMD in 2022, brought more “SNL” star power this time with special guest Tommy Brennan. Hernandez asked AI for info about the university and joked about how construction has been ongoing since 1856. He met campus lookalike contest winner Aleksey Sanchez ’27 (and the two had inadvertently matching outfits). (Photo courtesy of SEE)
The University of Maryland Police Department’s cuddly comfort dog led “Teddy’s Pup Parade” on McKeldin Mall on Thursday, featuring dogs dressed in Halloween costumes; they included Ozzy (left) and Skippy, who appeared as twin sharks pulling owners Ella Antonishek ‘26 (dressed as a lifeguard) and Ally Altshuler ‘28 along with them. Other pooches appeared as pumpkins, ghosts and cowboys. (Photo by Dylan Singleton)
A costume-clad crowd listened to the Mighty Sound of Maryland marching band (also with some members in Halloween attire) at the Terp Carnival on Friday afternoon. Testudo, for his part, was dressed as Bowser from Mario Kart. (Photo by Dylan Singleton)
A giant Jenga tower crumbles during Terp Carnival on McKeldin Mall on Friday. From left, Nicholas Whiteree ’29, Kostiantyn Zakharov ’29, Sakthi Rajmano Madhan Kumar ’29 and Krithik Mohan ’29. The event’s fireworks display had to be canceled in anticipation of high winds, but was replaced by a laser lights display, and students got Homecoming glow sticks. The carnival also included trick or treating, a food truck carnival, balloon art, make-and-take crafts, a 360 photo booth and a giveaway of Homecoming 2025 scarves. (Photo by Dylan Singleton)
Social media influencer and rapper Adamn Killa showed up at the Terp Carnival, drawing a massive swarm of fans, who sprinted to McKeldin Mall and take pics as he crowdsurfed and broke into his signature dance. (Photo by Dylan Singleton)
The 2025 Homecoming grand marshals, Dominique ’04 and Ashley Foxworth ’06, shown surrounded by family members, gave out scoops of a Homecoming limited-edition ice cream flavor and shook hands with students. He’s a former NFL player and NFL Players Association president who now has a podcast and guest stints on “SportsCenter,” and she’s a university foundation trustee; both spread Terp pride during their visit to campus. (Photo by John T. Consoli)
From left, Xicha Andrews ’05, Sharlene Williams ’04 and Donyell Carr ’05 use a 360 photo booth to take a photo during the Alumni Association’s Homecoming Tailgate on Saturday. The biggest one ever hosted by the association, it drew more than 1,500 Terps to the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center before the football game for alum-owned brews, food and family-friendly fun. It also featured a special performance by the Mighty Sound of Maryland and a members' only lounge with an orange crush bar, face painting and more. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)
From left, Corinne, 9, Shawn, 5, and Savannah Frederick, 7, of Ellicott City, pose with Testudo at Terpsville Fan Fest, hosted by Maryland Athletics on the turf field at Jones-Hill House. The family-friendly event, with games, food and inflatables, drew 2,000 guests. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)
In Saturday’s Homecoming game, running back Dejuan Williams catches a pass for the Terps’ first touchdown of the afternoon. The Terps fell 55-10 to No. 2 Indiana before a sellout crowd at SECU Stadium. (Photo by Maryland Athletics)
Maryland Athletics reported 13,000 student tickets were claimed for Saturday’s game, setting a record. (Photo by Norah Copenhaver)