What Conference Is Marshall In For Football? (2025 Update)

By Sarah Miller · September 5, 2048

Marshall University's football team currently competes in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC), having joined the conference in July 2022 after moving from Conference USA.

Marshall Football's Current Conference Affiliation

As of the 2025 college football season, Marshall University is a full member of the Sun Belt Conference (Sun Belt or SBC) for football and all other sports. The Thundering Herd officially transitioned to the Sun Belt on July 1, 2022, marking a significant shift in their athletic alignment.

Why Marshall Moved to the Sun Belt

The move was driven by several strategic factors aimed at improving regional rivalries, reducing travel costs, and enhancing media exposure through the conference’s growing footprint in the southeastern United States.

Geographic alignment with other Sun Belt schools
Stronger natural rivalries (e.g., with Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina)
Better television exposure via ESPN networks
Increased stability amid national conference realignment

History of Marshall Football Conferences

Marshall has undergone several conference transitions since its rise as a dominant FCS and later FBS program.

Key Conference Transitions

1997–1999: Mid-American Conference (MAC) – First move to FBS level
2000–2004: No primary conference (Independent)
2005–2021: Conference USA (C-USA) – Longest tenure at FBS level
2022–present: Sun Belt Conference – Current home

Season	Conference	Division	Conference Record	Overall Record	Bowl Result
2021	Conference USA	East	8–0	10–3	Won Myrtle Beach Bowl
2022	Sun Belt	East	7–1	9–4	Lost College Bowl
2023	Sun Belt	East	6–2	8–5	Won Sun Belt Championship, Lost Birmingham Bowl
2024 (Proj.)	Sun Belt	East	--	--	--

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows Marshall's strong performance during its transition from Conference USA to the Sun Belt. Despite a competitive schedule, the team won the 2023 Sun Belt Championship, demonstrating immediate success in its new conference. Their consistent winning records highlight adaptability and sustained program strength post-realignment.

Marshall Football in the Sun Belt Structure

The Sun Belt Conference reorganized into two divisions—East and West—in 2018. Marshall competes in the East Division alongside teams with similar geographic and competitive profiles.

Sun Belt East Division Teams (2025)

Marshall
Appalachian State
Coastal Carolina
Georgia Southern
Georgia State
James Madison
Troy

Teams play a round-robin format within the division, with the top two finishers meeting in the Sun Belt Championship Game.

Future Outlook for Marshall Football

With continued investment in facilities and coaching, Marshall aims to remain a powerhouse in the Sun Belt. The program benefits from passionate fan support and a storied history, including a 1996 FCS National Championship and undefeated 1999 season.

Ongoing conference realignment could influence future expansion or divisional changes, but Marshall is well-positioned to maintain relevance in the Group of Five landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marshall Football Conference

What conference is Marshall in for football in 2025?

As of 2025, Marshall University competes in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) for football. They joined the conference in July 2022 after leaving Conference USA.

When did Marshall join the Sun Belt Conference?

Marshall officially joined the Sun Belt Conference on July 1, 2022, along with former Conference USA rivals Old Dominion and Southern Miss.

Why did Marshall leave Conference USA?

Marshall left Conference USA due to conference instability, geographic misalignment, and the Sun Belt’s strategic invitation to strengthen its eastern division with like-minded institutions.

Has Marshall won a Sun Belt Conference Championship?

Yes, Marshall won the Sun Belt Conference Championship in 2023 by defeating West Division champion Troy in the title game.

Who are Marshall’s main rivals in the Sun Belt Conference?

Marshall’s primary rivals in the Sun Belt include Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina, with whom they have developed competitive matchups since joining the conference.