The Marshall Thundering Herd is a football team representing Marshall University, competing in the Sun Belt Conference. The football program was established in 1895 and won two national championships in 1992 and 1996. They play their home games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, West Virginia. The Marshall Thundering Herd have won 14 conference championships and 10 division championships. The team is led by head coach Tony Gibson and it is his debut season for the Herd. Marshall Thundering Herd helped one player to the Consensus All-Americans team and numerous players to the NFL. Their three biggest rivals are App State, Ohio East Carolina, and West Virginia.
The Marshall Thundering Herd football team had remarkable seasons over the years, notably in Division I-AA, which is now called the FCS. The Thundering Herd had a breakthrough season in 1992, under head coach Jim Donnan when they won their first national championship against Youngstown State. After two seasons, they retained their national championship in 1996, under head coach Bob Pruett, by defeating Montana. Marshall's most recent success was the 2014 season, under Coach Doc Holliday, they finished the season with a 13–1 record. They won the Conference USA Championship and defeated Northern Illinois 52–23 in the Boca Raton Bowl.
Marshall Thundering Herd Playoff Appearances
The Marshall Thundering Herd have played eight times, with a 23–6 record in the college football I-AA playoffs, as of December 2024.
| Year | Round | Opponent | Result |
| 1987 | First RoundQuarterfinalsSemifinalsNational Championship Game | James MadisonWeber StateAppalachian StateNortheast Louisiana | W 41–12W 51–23W 24–10L 42–43 |
| 1988 | First RoundQuarterfinals | North TexasFurman | W 7–0L 9–13 |
| 1991 | First RoundQuarterfinalsSemifinalsNational Championship Game | Western IllinoisNorthern IowaEastern KentuckyYoungstown State | W 20–17 OTW 41–13W 14–7L 17–25 |
| 1992 | First RoundQuarterfinalsSemifinalsNational Championship Game | Eastern KentuckyMiddle Tennessee StateDelawareYoungstown State | W 44–0W 35–21W 28–7W 31–28 |
| 1993 | First RoundQuarterfinalsSemifinalsNational Championship Game | HowardDelawareTroy StateYoungstown State | W 28–14W 34–31W 24–21L 5–17 |
| 1994 | First RoundQuarterfinalsSemifinals | Middle TennesseeJames MadisonBoise State | W 49–14W 28–21 OTL 24–28 |
| 1995 | First RoundQuarterfinalsSemifinalsNational Championship Game | Jackson StateNorthern IowaMcNeese StateMontana | W 38–8W 41–24W 25–13L 20–22 |
| 1996 | First RoundQuarterfinalsSemifinalsNational Championship Game | DelawareFurmanNorthern IowaMontana | W 59–14W 54–0W 31–14W 49–29 |
Marshall Thundering Herd Bowl record
The Marshall Thundering Herd’s Bowl record is 13-7, as of December 2024.
Marshall Thundering Herd All-time record
Marshall Thundering Herd’s All-time record is 638 wins, 574 losses, and 47 draws, as of December 2024.
FAQs on Marshall Thundering Herd
A. The Marshall Thundering Herd competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
A. Marshall has won two national championships in Division I-AA (FCS).
A. Marshall plays at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, West Virginia.
A. Marshall is a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
