Marshall Football: A Complete Guide to the Thundering Herd’s Legacy, Pride, and Game-Day Glory

Introduction

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “We are…Marshall,” you already know that Marshall football is something special. It’s not just college football. It’s a connection, a story of strength, and a powerful symbol of a university and a community. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the Herd, there’s something extraordinary about the green and white.

Marshall football has a rich tradition, a passionate fan base, and one of the most iconic stories in sports history. Beyond the wins and losses, it stands for resilience, pride, and togetherness. From roaring crowds at Joan C. Edwards Stadium to emotional tributes to the past, Marshall football captures the very heart of college athletics.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Marshall football—its history, game day traditions, key players, schedule highlights, and more. Simple, easy to read, and full of helpful details—this article is your go-to for all things Thundering Herd.

A Quick History of Marshall Football

Marshall University’s football team dates back to 1895. That’s over 125 years of football pride in Huntington, West Virginia. Over the decades, the team has moved through several conferences, faced huge challenges, and celebrated some remarkable wins.

The most emotional chapter in Marshall football history came in 1970, when a plane crash tragically took the lives of 75 people—players, coaches, fans, and crew. The entire football team and staff on that flight were lost. It was a deeply painful moment that touched the whole nation.

But from that loss came incredible strength. The university rebuilt its football program and slowly learned to move forward while still remembering. Today, every game, every chant, and every “We Are…Marshall” cheer carries that spirit of courage and remembrance.

The story was so powerful that it became a major film called We Are Marshall, starring Matthew McConaughey.

Joan C. Edwards Stadium: Home of the Thundering Herd

The heart of Marshall football beats loudest at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Located on campus in Huntington, this stadium seats over 30,000 fans and delivers a game-day experience like no other.

Since opening in 1991, it’s become a special place—where students, families, alumni, and die-hard fans come together for one thing: to cheer on the Herd. The stadium features “The Herd Zone,” a packed student section that brings serious energy every Saturday.

Before each game, you’ll hear music blasting, fans walking in with green shirts and face paint, and tailgates lined up for blocks. It’s more than just football. It’s a celebration of everything Marshall stands for.

Once the players run out and the crowd chants “We Are…Marshall,” the stadium truly comes alive.

Conference Competition: Marshall in the Sun Belt

Marshall football moved to the Sun Belt Conference in 2022, which was a big and exciting transition. The Sun Belt includes other strong programs like Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, and Troy.

This move brought more attention, tougher opponents, and greater national TV coverage for the Thundering Herd. Every week brings a new challenge as Marshall competes with teams from across the southeastern U.S.

Why does the conference matter? Because it affects:

• Rankings
• Bowl invitations
• Championship hopes
• Exposure for players looking to play at the next level

So, yes—it’s a big deal.

And Marshall is proving that they belong.

Marshall Football’s “We Are Marshall” Legacy

One simple phrase—“We Are…Marshall”—means everything. It’s not just a cheer. It’s a statement of unity, strength, and pride. The phrase became famous after the 1970 tragedy, as the community pulled together to rebuild.

It’s now heard:

• On T-shirts at every game
• In pre-game chants across the stadium
• On TV broadcasts and movie screens
• In the voices of alumni and current students alike

The university chose not to forget. Instead, it honors the past while building a strong future. There’s even a memorial fountain on campus. Every year on November 14, the school holds a somber ceremony where the water in the fountain is turned off to remember the 75 lives lost.

It’s a powerful reminder that football can be more than a game. It can be a reason to heal and grow together.

Game Day Traditions Every Fan Should Know

Going to a Marshall football game? Prepare for a fun and exciting experience filled with special traditions. Here are a few to know before kickoff:

• The Thunder Walk: Hours before the game, players walk through a sea of fans and the marching band to the stadium.
• Tailgating: Parking lots around the stadium are packed with grills, games, and fans in green.
• The Marching Thunder: Marshall’s band performs the fight song, pumps up the crowd, and plays during halftime.
• The MU cheer: “We Are!” “Marshall!”—the call-and-response chant rings out across the field.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning fan, these traditions make every game unforgettable.

Season Schedule: Who Does Marshall Play?

The Marshall football schedule normally includes 12 regular-season games. That includes a mix of:

• Sun Belt conference games
• Non-conference matchups (sometimes against Power Five schools)
• Homecoming weekend games
• Televised primetime games

After the regular season, if the Herd wins enough games, they receive a bowl invite—this means one extra exciting game in late December or early January.

Big games to watch for include matches against top Sun Belt teams or regional rivals like Appalachian State and West Virginia (a future dream matchup for many fans).

Each season’s schedule is available at herdzone.com, where you can also buy tickets and get updates.

Bowl Games and Postseason Magic

Bowl games are the reward for a solid season, and Marshall football has a great track record.

In fact, Marshall’s bowl game history is among the strongest in college football. Since the 1990s, they’ve won several bowl titles and shown that they can handle pressure and shine in big moments.

Some popular bowl games the Herd has played in:

• Camellia Bowl
• New Orleans Bowl
• Gasparilla Bowl
• Myrtle Beach Bowl

Each bowl win adds to the program’s legacy and gives fans one more chance to cheer. Plus, bowl games help raise the program’s profile for recruits and future seasons.

Notable Marshall Football Players

Many talented players have worn the green and white. Some even went on to NFL stardom.

Top Marshall football legends include:

• Chad Pennington (QB) – A smart and accurate passer who later starred for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.
• Byron Leftwich (QB) – Tough as nails and loved by fans, Leftwich also had a strong NFL career and is now a coach.
• Randy Moss (WR) – One of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. He brought national fame to Marshall in the 1990s.

These players helped shape the legacy and brought attention to the school’s growing football program.

Rising Stars on the Field

Each new season is a chance for fresh talent to shine. Whether on offense or defense, Marshall football always develops players to watch.

Recent and upcoming names have included exciting quarterbacks, fast receivers, and defenders with serious hustle. The team’s coaching staff focuses on building smart, all-around athletes who play hard and represent Marshall with pride.

Want to keep up with the latest stars? Follow Marshall’s social media and game updates. You’ll quickly learn which players are making the biggest impact.

How to Follow the Team Online

Can’t make it to the game? Don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to follow Marshall football from anywhere.

Here’s how:

• Visit HerdZone.com for schedules, rosters, and news.
• Follow @HerdFB on Twitter/X for score updates and highlights.
• Check the ESPN app for live stats and standings.
• Watch on CBS Sports Network or ESPN+, depending on the week.
• Listen to game-day radio coverage streamed from local stations.

Wherever you are in the world, you can still be part of The Herd.

Support Marshall Football: Get Involved!

Want to do more than just cheer? There are lots of ways to support the Marshall football program:

• Buy official team gear: Hats, jerseys, and shirts are easy to wear with pride.
• Become a donor: Contributions help with scholarships, training, and facility upgrades.
• Join the Big Green Scholarship Foundation: This group helps student-athletes grow on and off the field.
• Bring friends to games: The more the merrier!

All support matters—whether you’re donating, attending games, or simply shouting “Go Herd!” from your home.

FAQs 

1. What conference is Marshall football in?

Marshall currently plays in the Sun Belt Conference, a Division I FBS league.

2. Where is Marshall University located?

Marshall is located in Huntington, West Virginia.

3. Has Marshall football ever won a national championship?

Yes! Marshall won I-AA national titles in 1992 and 1996 before moving to the FBS (formerly Division I-A).

4. Who are some famous Marshall football players?

Stars like Randy Moss, Chad Pennington, and Byron Leftwich all played for the Thundering Herd.

5. Where can I find the latest Marshall football schedule?

Visit herdzone.com for up-to-date schedules, tickets, and team news.

6. What does “We Are Marshall” mean?

It’s a rallying cry of unity, born from the strength shown after the 1970 plane crash. Today, it’s a symbol of pride and togetherness.

Conclusion

Marshall football is more than just a sport. It’s a symbol of strength, tradition, and heart. From unforgettable wins to deep moments of loss, the Thundering Herd has always found a way to rise up and move forward—together.

The fans are passionate. The players are dedicated. The legacy is powerful.

Whether you’ve been in the stands for decades or just learned about the team today, there’s always room for one more in the Herd. So wear your green. Learn the chant. And be part of something truly special.