University of Maryland Terrapins’ Samoan quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is making big waves on the U.S. college football scene just like his big brother Tua Tagovailoa did during his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Also like Tua, who is still wowing football fans but in the NFL, Taulia isn’t just making waves. The sophomore quarterback is making college football history.

When Maryland beat Penn State on 6 November, it was the first time since 2014 and just the third time ever, according to PressBoxOnline. 

Tagovailoa attributes much of the team’s success to Maryland head coach Michael Locksley, who has led the Terrapins to a 2-1 start.

“I feel that Coach Locksley is an amazing coach. He’s a great coach. He deserves everything he’s getting right now,” Tagovailoa said on Glenn Clark Radio Nov. 10.

“For us, it’s only up from here. … He’s taking everyone to a different level. So us as a team, we just have to continue to buy into what he’s doing and just continue to trust him. He’s our leader and we follow Coach Locks.”

Tagovailoa has a strong bond with Locksley, who recruited him to Alabama before leaving for Maryland, said PressBox.

Locksley was also Taulia’s brother Tua’s offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2018, so he has a close relationship with the Tagovailoa family. 

Taulia was the No. 5 pro-style quarterback in the 2019 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. 

He has lived up to the billing, completing 58 of 86 passes for 770 yards and six touchdowns so far during his first season with the Terps.

Taulia transferred to Maryland in May and gained immediate eligibility in August.

“When I first came over here, I felt the family environment, and Coach Locks believes in hard work. … Coach always told us objects are closer than they appear,” Taulia said. 

“It was just a matter of time before we figured out that once we gel together as a team, we feel like things are going to be good. As of right now, we’re just working hard.”

The Terps had a tough start to the season with a disappointing 43-3 loss to Northwestern, PressBox reports. 

After the Northwestern game, Tagovailoa completed 26 of 35 passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns to lead his team to an exciting 45-44 win against Minnesota. 

He completed 18 of 26 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns in the win at Penn State.

“I just trust God’s plan, and there’s always things that he does that we could never imagine,” Tagovailoa is quoted by Press Box. 

“I’m just happy that things are working out for us and for our team, and we’re just trying to win games.”

It’s unclear where the Terps’ season will go from here, but Tagovailoa will be ready.

“Be humble and hungry, and every week is a new week. We just have to continue to work hard. We like to compete,” Taulia said.