A struggling college football program is finding creative ways to influence its student body to show up on game days.
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The University of Maryland Terrapins, who recently fired head coach Mike Locksley, are off to a sluggish start to the season.
Maryland is on a five-game skid and remains winless in conference play this season. The Terrapins have amassed the fourth-fewest yards in the Big Ten Conference and suffered three straight blowout losses before losing their most recent game against Rutgers by one possession.
Facing a third straight losing season, Maryland has seen its attendance plummet.
Hoping to renew fan interest, the university is offering free tuition to one student who stays for the entire game on Saturday against Illinois.
Struggling Football Program Offering Tuition Giveaway to Students
The university says eligible students must attend the game and scan a QR code displayed on the video board to enter the raffle. They must remain at the game until the fourth quarter to find out the winner.
The winner will receive an award worth up to the cost of in-state undergraduate standard tuition for the spring 2027 semester.
Maryland hosts Illinois at noon on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Maryland is averaging 42,264 fans per home game this season. The low total ranks 15th among the Big Ten's 18 teams, according to D1.ticker's attendance tracking.
Maryland is not the only football program hoping to drive attendance during its next game.
The University of North Texas announced on Monday via Instagram that all afternoon classes have been cancelled so students can pack DATCU Stadium on Thursday against Florida Atlantic. ESPN's SportsCenter will broadcast live from the campus, the school announced.
UNT Director of Athletics Jared Mosley released a statement imploring students to pack DATCU Stadium for the televised matchup.
"Thursday is our opportunity to create an unforgettable atmosphere for our team. We need our students, alumni and fans to show up, wear black and bring the energy!" the statement read in part. "Together, we're building something special. [We're] undefeated in the conference so far. I can't wait to see Mean Green Nation pack DATCU Stadium for a night to remember."
The North Texas Mean Green ranks fourth in the nation in total offense and yards per game (525.7)
