The Marshall Thundering Herd football program represents Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia. Established in 1895, the team has a long and storied history marked by resilience and triumphs. They play their home games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, which has a seating capacity of around 38,227. This stadium, named after a prominent local philanthropist, offers a vibrant and passionate game-day atmosphere that showcases the strong community support for the team.
The Thundering Herd currently competes in the Sun Belt Conference, having moved there in 2022. Prior to joining the Sun Belt, Marshall was a member of Conference USA and, before that, the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The team has seen significant success in these conferences, particularly during their tenure in the MAC, where they won several conference championships.
Marshall’s football program is perhaps most famously known for the tragic plane crash on November 14, 1970, which claimed the lives of 75 people, including 37 members of the football team. This event deeply impacted the community and the university, leading to the eventual rebuilding of the program. The story of their recovery and resilience was later immortalized in the 2006 movie “We Are Marshall,” starring Matthew McConaughey.
Over the years, the Thundering Herd has produced several notable NFL players, including Randy Moss, Chad Pennington, and Byron Leftwich. The team’s distinctive green and white uniforms and their fierce mascot, Marco the Buffalo, are well-recognized symbols in college football.
The Thundering Herd has also enjoyed success in bowl games, winning numerous postseason contests, which further cemented their reputation as a formidable team in college football. With a dedicated fan base, strong traditions, and a history of overcoming adversity, the Marshall Thundering Herd football program continues to be a source of pride for Marshall University and its supporters.