[5] Cummings attended the University of Maryland, and played on the football team, which also employed the run-and-shoot under head coach Mark Duffner.
Before the season, Cummings was named the starter after senior Scott Milanovich received a four-game suspension for gambling.
[7] Cummings was knocked out of the season opener against Tulane with a sprained ankle in the first quarter, and was replaced by Orlando Strozier.
[8] Cummings returned to start in a 32–18 upset over North Carolina,[1] and completed ten passes on 18 attempts for 180 yards despite his ankle injury.
"[11] Cummings suffered a broken toe on his right foot and bruised shoulder and Milanovich returned to his starting role after his suspension.
[7] At Wake Forest, Cummings came off the bench in relief of Milanovich, who had struggled reading the blitz, and played the last 39 minutes.
He led three drives that culminated in a field goal, touchdown, and a final series which used eight minutes of the game clock in the 9–6 victory.
After the game, head coach Mark Duffner praised Cummings' play, but stopped shy of naming him the starter.
"[1] Because he felt his arm needed the rest, Cummings did not play college or amateur baseball in 1996 for the first time since he was ten years old.
In 1997, Cummings again entered the season atop the depth chart, selected by the new coaching staff over Mastrole because of his greater game experience.
"[15] Wake Forest head coach Jim Caldwell said, "One of my favorite players to watch in the ACC is (Maryland's) Brian Cummings.