— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Spring drills are entering the homestretch at Marshall, which has six practices remaining as well as its annual Spring Game, set for April 11 at at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
Second-year Herd offensive coordinator Rod Smith echoed thoughts from head coach Tony Gibson that Marshal is stocked with quality talent at quarterback, running back and receiver positions, and there is less of a learning curve for the installation of his system.
“The install this year has been a lot easier, because so many guys are back plus the work we did in OTAs in the offseason,” Smith said. “Guys know where they’re going and the expectations we have of them. The young guys are still catching up and that’s where a lot of the hiccups are right now.”
Smith works closely with Marshall’s quarterbacks and he has experience and athleticism to work within that positional group.
Last year’s starter, Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, is back for another year as is Zion Turner, who backed up Del Rio-Wilson and logged significant snaps at times.
“Good to get those guys back and we’re counting on those guys for some senior leadership as well,” Smith said.
Marshall also welcomed WVU transfer Khalil Watkins after the southpaw spent two seasons with the Mountaineers. Martinsburg native Koi Fagan and fellow freshman Dylan Barber are also in the mix.
Despite battling injuries late last fall, Del Rio-Wilson was a productive dual-threat, throwing for 2,043 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushing for 660 yards and six scores.
Turner had a passing and rushing touchdown as a backup and Watkins had a hand in three touchdowns for WVU over limited playing time.
The signal-callers have an experienced group of wideouts to work with, particularly at the top in Adrian North and De’Andre Tamarez. Tight end Toby Payne returns as a pass-catching threat as well.
Norton caught 27 passes for 383 yards and five touchdowns last year. Tamarez was productive in 2025 with 32 receptions for 395 yards and two touchdowns, while Payne had 37 catches for 393 yards and three scores.
As for the running back room, there are plenty of new faces vying for playing time.
Jo’Shon Barbie and Judah Price are back from last year’s team, but the transfer portal brought additions such as former Kentucky Wildcat Jamarion Wilcox and TJ Lester from West Georgia.
Smith is high on Marshall’s offensive line, especially the return of veterans Jalen Slappy and Tariq Montgomery and the transfers of two former WVU players in Huntington native Robby Martin and South Charleston native Xavier Bausley.
“Like our quarterbacks, I’m going to hold them to a little higher standard than the rest, because they’re really good and guys like Slappy and Tyriq are so experienced,” Smith said. “We’re also excited about Robby Martin and Xavier Bausley. We’re going to be better and more athletic in the second year of this system.”
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It was announced Monday that Marshall and Western Kentucky have finalized a home-and-home series for the 2031 and 2032 seasons.
Marshall will travel to Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium for the first matchup between the teams on Sept. 13, 2031, while the Herd will host the Hilltoppers at Edwards Stadium on Sept. 18, 2032.
“We are thrilled to renew this series with Western Kentucky,” Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison said. “This is exactly the kind of matchup that excites our fans and student-athletes. There’s real history between these programs and adding a regional opponent like WKU brings a level of intensity and pride that makes college football special. We know Herd Nation will travel well and create an electric atmosphere both in Bowling Green and in Huntington.”
The contests will represent the 14th and 15th meetings, respectively, in the history of the series between the teams, which dates back to 1941. Marshall leads the all-time series, 8-5.