Marshall Football Preview
By Owen James, FM88 Sports
Aug. 21, 2025
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WMUL-FM) — With the season opener just days away, Marshall Head Coach Tony Gibson and his players say the focus is on themselves and not their opponent, the No. 5 ranked Georgia Bulldogs.
According to Gibson, the rebuilt Herd roster is searching for an identity after mass departures at the conclusion of last season. “We’ve got to establish who we are as a football team … our identity on offense, defense, special teams.”
Gibson also sees the upcoming matchup as an opportunity for his players to refine their game against some of the stiffest competition college football has to offer. “A lot of these kids think that they can play at the Power Four level and they’re going to get their opportunity to go play against one of the best teams in the country.”
Offensive lineman Shunmarkus Adams, who transferred to Marshall last season and played in 13 games for the Herd, reiterated that the team was focusing on themselves above all else. “We’re making sure we’re getting good looks from the scouts and going hard in practice,” Adams said. “Of course, Georgia’s on our mind, but we’re just trying to put our best foot forward on the field.”
Defensive back Darryl Sweeting, who transferred to Marshall this offseason, expressed confidence going into the opener. “We’re going to go in there and win,” he said.
Defensive lineman Braydin Ward, who was a key anchor in the Herd’s Sun Belt Championship run last season, echoed that optimism. “We’re going to show out in Georgia,” Ward said.
The clash is scheduled for Aug. 30, a week from Saturday, in Sanford Stadium in Athens.