- 1925
- 1970
- 1992
- 2014
-
Naming of Thundering Herd
Initially, Marshall athletic teams used the nickname “Big Green” for much of its early history. However, Huntington sportswriter Duke Ridgley first used the phrase “Thundering Herd” in 1925 to describe the football team. The headlines of that football season, coupled with the popularity of Zane Grey’s novel at the time, “The Thundering Herd”, saw the nickname stick. -
Thundering Herd Mascot Finalization
As early as the 1930s, buffalo mascots appearances on the sideline of Marshall sporting events. However, the mascot would remain nameless and sporadic in appearances until 1954, when the editors of the Marshall University yearbook created a buffalo character roaming through the pages and named their character “Marco”, derived from the term “Marshall College” as the school was known at ... -
NCAA team championships
Marshall University has won 3 NCAA team national championships. Men’s (3): Football (I-AA) (2): 1992, 1996 Soccer (1): 2020 -
Basketball Coach Dan D’Antoni
On April 24, 2014, Marshall University Athletic Director Mike Hamrick announced Mullens native and Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach, Dan D’Antoni, as the next head coach of the Thundering Herd. D’Antoni is a Marshall alum and played point guard for The Herd from 1966 to 1970. He led the team in scoring with a 17.5 scoring average in 1968–69 and ...
History of The Herd
The Marshall Thundering Herd is one of history's most storied NCAA sports teams. Founded in 1895, the Thundering Herd has run long and successful as one of college football's premier programs. The team has won over 500 games over its 120-year existence, making it one of the winningest programs in all Division I athletics.
Marshall’s success on the field dates back to their first season when they posted an 8-1 record under legendary head coach John Maulbetsch. Since then, they have gone on to win 11 conference championships and make 15 bowl appearances—including a trip to the 2020 New Mexico Bowl, where they defeated Buffalo for their sixth straight bowl victory!
Offensively, Marshall has been led by some great quarterbacks throughout its history, including Byron Leftwich (2002–2003), Chad Pennington (1996–1999), and Michael Payton (1989–1992). On defense, players like Mario Harvey (2006–2009) and Vinny Curry (2007–2011) helped anchor some dominant units among college football's best during those years.
Most recently, though, it was wide receiver Tommy Shuler who set records while playing for Marshall from 2010 through 2014 with 3 consecutive 1st Team All-Conference selections; he also holds numerous school records, such as receptions made per game & career receiving yards, amongst many others!
Overall there is no denying that over its 120-year existence, The Marshalls Thundering Herd's legacy will live forever within NCAA Football lore - A true testament to what hard work & dedication can achieve from both coaches & players alike!
College Sports Established
1837
Location
Huntington, West Virginia
College Name
Marshall University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1949 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2022 - Present / Sun Belt Conference
2005 - 2022 / C-USA Conference
1954 - 1969, 1997 - 2005 / Mid-American Conference
1976 - 1997 / Southern Conference
1949 - 1952 / Ohio Valley Conference
Nickname
Thundering Herd - Initially, Marshall athletic teams used the nickname "Big Green" for much of its early history. However, Huntington sportswriter Duke Ridgley first used the phrase "Thundering Herd" in 1925 to describe the football team. The headlines of that football season, coupled with the popularity of Zane Grey's novel at the time, "The Thundering Herd", saw the nickname stick.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.