Tony Gibson (HC) – Gibson was hired to become the next head coach of the Thundering Herd last December, taking over for Charles Huff. Huff left for Southern Miss after leading Marshall to a Sun Belt Championship. Gibson previously coached at NC State as their defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for six seasons. He will be building this program from the ground up as over 25 players left for the portal this offseason. If Marshall can show signs of toughness against one of the best teams in the country, a positive tone can be set for what’s to come in the Gibson era.
JacQai Long, QB/ Zion Turner, QB/ Carlos Del Rio-Wilson (QB)
One of the biggest storylines for Marshall this offseason has been their battle at the quarterback position. JacQai Long is returning for the Thundering Herd after redshirting in 2024. Zion Turner transferred in from Jacksonville State but saw most of his playing time with UConn in 2022 where he threw for nearly 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson is coming in from Syracuse after spending three seasons with the Orange but missing all of last year due to injury. Whoever Gibson and his staff label as the starter, they will need to have a calm presence in the huddle and composure in the pocket in a game where all odds are against them.
Toby Payne (TE) – Payne finished last season with 168 yards on 17 receptions along with six touchdowns. The tight end was named to the All-Sun Belt honorable mention team last season, proving himself to be one of Marshall’s top weapons. If his team wants any chance to compete, Payne will have to be a reliable target against the Bulldogs’ secondary.
Jalen Slappy (G) – Slappy recently earned preseason All-Sun Belt honors after being one of Marshall’s top offensive lineman last year at the right guard position. Facing a Georgia defensive line that has been notorious for causing chaos among the opposition’s O-line, Slappy must make sure his offensive line stays focused and keeps their quarterback off the turf.
J’Coryan Anderson (LB) – Anderson has been with the Thundering Herd since 2019, with his best seasons coming last year. The linebacker recorded 29 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception and a touchdown. With a Georgia offense that has weapons up-and-down the roster, Anderson will need to help his defense limit explosive plays and keep the Bulldogs from running away with things early.
Deeve Harris (DL) – The defensive lineman is entering his sixth season of college football after stints with Minnesota, Old Dominion, Colorado and Marshall. Harris saw his highest career volume with 54 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Creating pressure against Stockton’s offense could go a long way in keeping the Thundering Herd within striking distance.
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