After Marshall went 2-2 in non-conference play to begin the 2024 season, it wasn’t clear just how well the Thundering Herd would do.
But once they began taking on Sun Belt teams, it became incredibly obvious they were one of the best squads in the league. They went 7-1 in SBC play, going on to defeat Louisiana 31-3 in the Sun Belt Championship.
But once head coach Charles Huff moved on to Southern Miss and many of its players entered the transfer portal, Marshall declined to participate in its bowl game. This marked a new era for the team.
Tony Gibson is now the head coach, and he’s aiming to help the Thundering Herd remain as one of the premier programs in the Sun Belt.
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Marshall Football’s Sun Belt Title Betting Odds
Marshall’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +2500, via BetMGM, and the team’s odds of winning the Sun Belt East are +1400.
The Thundering Herd’s betting odds of making the College Football Playoff are +6600.
Marshall Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Marshall’s win total Over/Under is 4.5, with Under 4.5 at +110 and Over 4.5 at -135.
Marshall Football’s 2025 Schedule
Aug. 30 @ Georgia
Sept. 6 vs. Missouri State
Sept. 13 vs. Eastern Kentucky
Sept. 20 @ Middle Tennessee
Sept. 27 @ Louisiana
Oct. 11 vs. Old Dominion
Oct. 18 vs. Texas State
Oct. 30 @ Coastal Carolina
Nov. 8 vs. James Madison
Nov. 15 @ Georgia State
Nov. 22 @ App State
Nov. 29 vs. Georgia Southern
Dec. 5 Sun Belt Championship
Bold indicates Sun Belt contests
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Key Marshall Football Returners
2024 All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention
TE Toby Payne
Marshall Football Hoping To Defend The Sun Belt Title With New Coaches & Players
Following the coaching change, Marshall lost many of its best players from last year. That includes its starting quarterback, as Braylon Braxton is now at Southern Miss.
JacQai Long, who redshirted at Marshall last season, as well as Jacksonville State transfer Zion Turner and Syracuse transfer Carlos Del Rio-Wilson are battling for the starting QB role.
Toby Payne, an All-Sun Belt honorable mention tight end last year, is Marshall’s top returning playmaker. He caught 17 passes for 168 yards and tied a team lead with six touchdown receptions in 2024.
On the offensive line, Group of Five Preseason All-American Jalen Slappy returns after being the team’s primary starter at right guard last year. Shunmarkus Adams and Eric Meeks also return after each starting a game last year as well.
Marshall’s defense, which gave up the second-fewest points in the Sun Belt last year with 23.1 allowed per game, will look drastically different. The team lost all but one of its top 20 tacklers from a year ago.
Defensive back Jadarius Green-McKnight is that one returner. He recorded 38 tackles, one for loss, with one sack, three pass breakups, a quarterback hurry, and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
Marshall had the sixth-best transfer class in the Sun Belt this offseason, according to 247Sports, and many of those newcomers will need to make critical contributions immediately if this team is going to remain competitive in a tough league.
Marshall Football Season Prediction
I predict Marshall won’t win the Sun Belt Championship but will go Over 4.5 wins during the regular season.
With Tony Gibson taking over as head coach, I don’t think it’s outrageous to think the Thundering Herd will need a season before they contend for a conference championship again. But I also don’t think it’s outrageous to think they could be competitive and could make a bowl game this season.
Looking at Marshall’s schedule, the Thundering Herd could be 3-1 going into conference play. While I don’t see them winning at Georgia, they should be capable of defeating Missouri State, Eastern Kentucky, and Middle Tennessee.
From there, they just need three more wins for bowl-eligibility. Louisiana, Texas State, and James Madison will be tough. But I could see Marshall beating Old Dominion, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, and/or Georgia Southern.
It’s reasonable to expect Marshall will take a step back this season. But I don’t expect it to be that big of a step.
