The Marshall Thundering Herd are a Division I football program in the Sun Belt. The program was founded in 1837 and is identified by its mascot, Marco the Bison. The program has captured 2 national championships and 10 conference titles, with 0 playoff appearances. The Thundering Herd are 0-1 through 1 game of the season. Marco the Bison anchors Marshall football's identity, a tradition stretching back to 1837, with "Sons of Marshall" as the program's signature anthem. When fans fuel a Thundering Herd athlete on RallyFuel, 90% lands directly with the athlete — funding training, recovery, and the realities of college sports.
The Football Program at Marshall University competes at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level, representing one of the most competitive tiers of collegiate football in the United States. As a member of the Sun Belt Conference, Marshall faces a rigorous schedule against regional and national opponents, providing athletes with consistent high-level competition. Within the university's athletic ecosystem, football stands as a cornerstone sport, driving significant fan engagement and institutional investment. The program’s competitive stature is reinforced by its ability to develop talent capable of performing under intense pressure while maintaining academic and athletic balance.
Marshall’s Football Program benefits from a comprehensive infrastructure designed to foster athletic excellence and holistic player development. The centerpiece is the home venue, which offers a dynamic game-day atmosphere and modern amenities to support both athletes and fans. Complementing the stadium are state-of-the-art training facilities that prioritize strength, conditioning, and injury prevention, ensuring players can maximize their physical potential throughout the season. Additionally, the Athletics Department provides specialized academic support tailored to football student-athletes, emphasizing success both on the field and in the classroom. The coaching staff employs a strategic, adaptable style of play focused on maximizing athlete strengths and promoting competitive resilience.
Marshall’s Football Program offers substantial market exposure, benefiting from regional and national broadcasting agreements that place games on prominent television and streaming platforms. This visibility amplifies the program’s reach to a passionate fanbase deeply rooted in the local and regional community, creating a vibrant environment for athlete branding and sponsorship opportunities. The program’s strong fan engagement and consistent media presence attract local and regional sponsors eager to partner with football athletes, enhancing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) prospects. For recruits, choosing Marshall means aligning with a program that not only fosters athletic and personal growth but also provides a platform to build a compelling personal brand in a competitive collegiate marketplace.
