The Thundering Herd is charging into 2025 with a brand-new head coach, a fresh roster full of energy, and one very clear mission: defend their Sun Belt throne. After bulldozing Louisiana 31–3 in the 2024 Sun Belt Championship, Marshall proved they belong among the Group of Five elite.
But with big wins come even bigger targets, and the Herd will have to navigate a loaded schedule if they want to stay on top. Can a new era under Tony Gibson keep the stampede going? Let’s break it all down.
2025 Marshall Football Schedule
Here’s a quick look at every stop along the Herd’s title defense tour:
- Aug. 30—at Georgia
(Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA) - Sept. 6—vs. Missouri State
(Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV) - Sept. 13—vs. Eastern Kentucky
(Huntington, WV) - Sept. 20—at Middle Tennessee
(Murfreesboro, TN) - Sept. 27—at Louisiana
(Lafayette, LA) - Oct. 11—vs. Old Dominion
(Homecoming, Huntington, WV) - Oct. 18—vs. Texas State
(Huntington, WV) - Oct. 30—at Coastal Carolina
(Thursday night showdown, Conway, SC) - Nov. 8—vs. James Madison
(’75 Memorial Game, Huntington, WV) - Nov. 15—at Georgia State
(Atlanta, GA) - Nov. 22—at Appalachian State
(Boone, NC) - Nov. 29—vs. Georgia Southern
(Senior Day, Huntington, WV)
Breaking Down the Slate: What to Expect in 2025
Marshall’s road to another Sun Belt title starts off with a reality check in Athens. Facing national powerhouse Georgia on the road is no small task, especially for a team trying to break in new leadership. But while an upset would be legendary, this matchup will be more about testing grit and depth early in the year.
After Georgia, the Herd returns to friendly territory for matchups against Missouri State and Eastern Kentucky. These games are must-win opportunities to build confidence, sharpen the playbook, and get the young roster acclimated to game-day intensity.
Conference play kicks off on Sept. 20 at Middle Tennessee before Marshall heads into a spicy rematch at Louisiana — the very team they routed in last year’s Sun Belt title game. You can bet the Ragin’ Cajuns will have this one circled, but Marshall’s defense, which allowed just 17.4 points per game in 2024, will be ready for the challenge.
Things heat up even more in October. Homecoming against Old Dominion offers a chance to flex in front of the home crowd, followed by a winnable matchup versus Texas State. But the real challenge looms on Halloween eve: a Thursday night battle at Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers always play tough at home, and this one could be a sneaky trap game.
November brings high-stakes drama. The ‘75 Game versus James Madison isn’t just emotional — it’s competitive. The Dukes have been a rising force in the Sun Belt and should be among the top teams again in 2025. Back-to-back road tests at Georgia State and Appalachian State — two teams with upset potential — could be pivotal in determining division standings. Then it’s back to Huntington for Senior Day and a tough closer against Georgia Southern.
Can the Thundering Herd Defend Their Sun Belt Title?
Defending a championship is never easy, and doing so under a new head coach only raises the stakes. Tony Gibson, the West Virginia native and former NC State defensive guru, was hired on Dec. 8, 2024, to keep the momentum rolling. Known for his aggressive 3-3-5 schemes, Gibson has promised to “bring an edge” to Huntington.
“We’re going to play fast, we’re going to be physical, and we’re going to represent this community the way it deserves,” Gibson said during his introductory press conference. “This team will not be outworked.”
That culture shift may be just what the Herd needs. Over 60 new players have joined the roster through recruiting and the transfer portal, and several key contributors from the 2024 squad are returning, including quarterback Tye Felton and linebacker Eli Neal. The team’s depth and defensive identity remain strong.
The schedule does Marshall no favors — road trips to Appalachian State, Louisiana, and Coastal Carolina are daunting — but there’s still a clear path to the title game. Home games against Old Dominion, James Madison, and Texas State give them chances to separate from the pack in the East Division.
What will really determine their fate, however, is whether Gibson can build cohesion fast enough to match last year’s chemistry. If he does, and if the offense takes a step forward, don’t be surprised if the Herd are right back in the Sun Belt Championship by December.
KEEP READING: Miami (OH) 2025 Football Schedule: Are the RedHawks MAC Title Bound?
Buckle up, Herd fans. The thunder is rolling again.
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