College Football Program Fined $100K For Opting Out Of Bowl Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jan 17, 2025 4:21 PM ET

The Sun Belt Conference announced a $100,000 fine for the Marshall Thundering Herd for the program's decision to withdraw from the Dec. 28 Independence Bowl against the Army Black Knights.

Marshall had more than 25 players in the transfer portal at the time because its then-head coach, Charles Huff, left the program to join Southern Miss. He had led the Thundering Herd since 2021 and helped the program to a 10-3 record and 7-1 in conference play in 2024.

On Dec. 14, Marshall informed officials it would not participate in the bowl game. Louisiana Tech replaced the Thundering Herd in the Independence Bowl, which Army won, 27-6.

UPDATE: The Sun Belt Conference has fined Marshall $100k for opting out of the Independence Bowl vs. Armyhttps://t.co/YSDMiIxz5k https://t.co/8pGf5M4z1m pic.twitter.com/waL3MIjB7s
— On3 (@On3sports) January 17, 2025

In total, Marshall has 37 players exiting the program and nine players incoming via the transfer portal.

Six cornerbacks, three defensive linemen, three EDGE, one interior offensive lineman, three linebackers, two offensive tackles, one punter, four quarterbacks, two running backs, six safeties, one tight end and five wide receivers make up the 37 outgoing players.

Marshall hired Tony Gibson as head coach. He had been the defensive coordinator with the NC State Wolfpack from 2019-24.

On Jan. 10, Marshall announced three significant coaching hires: offensive coordinator Rod Smith, defensive coordinator Shannon Morrison and special teams coordinator Jackson White.

The Thundering Herd's best incoming transfers are Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, a former 2021 four-star quarterback from Syracuse, and Michael Allen, a former 2022 four-star running back from UNLV.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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