The Marshall Thundering Herd have suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming season, as starting quarterback Braylon Braxton has been ruled out with an injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for a significant period. The exact timeline for his return remains unclear, but early reports indicate that he could miss multiple weeks, putting Marshall’s offensive plans in jeopardy.
Details of the Injury
Braxton, who transferred to Marshall ahead of the 2024 season, reportedly sustained the injury during a recent team practice. While the team has yet to provide an official diagnosis, sources within the program suggest that the injury could be related to his shoulder or lower leg, both of which have given him trouble in the past.
Marshall head coach Charles Huff confirmed the news in a press conference, expressing disappointment but remaining optimistic about Braxton’s recovery.
“Braylon has been working extremely hard this offseason, and it’s unfortunate to see him go down. Right now, our medical staff is evaluating the extent of the injury, and we’ll know more in the coming days. We’re confident he’ll bounce back, but in the meantime, we have to prepare for the next man up.”
The injury is a huge blow to the Thundering Herd, as Braxton was expected to be one of the key leaders of the team heading into the 2025 season.
Braxton’s Impact on the Team
Braxton, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound dual-threat quarterback, transferred to Marshall from Tulsa, where he showed flashes of brilliance despite limited playing time. He was poised to be the full-time starter for the Thundering Herd after a strong performance in the 2024 season, where he threw for over 2,300 yards and 18 touchdowns while also adding 450 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
With his ability to extend plays and make throws on the run, Braxton was seen as a game-changer for Marshall’s offense. His absence now raises serious questions about who will take over at quarterback in his absence.
Who Will Step Up in Braxton’s Absence?
With Braxton sidelined, the Thundering Herd will now turn to their backup quarterbacks to keep the offense afloat. The top candidates to replace him include:
- Cole Pennington – The son of Marshall legend Chad Pennington, Cole has shown promise in limited action but lacks starting experience at the collegiate level.
- Cam Fancher – A mobile quarterback who has started games in the past and could provide a steady presence under center.
- Incoming freshman recruit – While unlikely to start, a young player could be thrown into action if the coaching staff believes they are ready.
Coach Huff has not yet confirmed who will take over as the starter, stating that the team will evaluate all options in the coming practices.
Impact on Marshall’s Season
The loss of Braxton is a huge setback for a Marshall team that had high expectations for the 2025 season. The Thundering Herd were looking to compete for a Sun Belt Conference title, and Braxton’s playmaking ability was a key part of that plan.
Now, the team must adjust quickly, as they face a challenging early-season schedule that includes matchups against Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, and James Madison. Without their starting quarterback, Marshall’s offensive identity may need to change, relying more on the run game and a strong defense to stay competitive.
Fan and Player Reactions
Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration over the injury, with many hoping for a speedy recovery for Braxton.
One fan tweeted:
“Hate to hear this about Braylon Braxton. He was going to have a breakout season. Hoping for a quick recovery!”
Meanwhile, Marshall players have rallied around their teammate, with several posting messages of support and encouragement on social media.
What’s Next?
Marshall’s coaching staff will continue to monitor Braxton’s injury and provide updates on his status. If the injury requires a lengthy recovery, the team may consider exploring transfer options or adjusting their offensive approach to compensate for the loss.
For now, the Thundering Herd must prepare for life without Braxton, as they look to remain competitive despite this major setback.
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