Michigan TE apologizes for leaked texts directed at coach

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Michigan TE apologizes following leaked messages directed at coach

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Oct 6, 2026 7:10 PM ET

The Michigan Wolverines football team is having a rough year in Kyle Whittingham's first season as head coach.

Not only did Michigan suffer a 20-14 loss to Minnesota in Week 5, but tight end Zack Marshall created headlines after the loss. Leaked text messages from Marshall surfaced online, and they included him expressing frustration with offensive coordinator Jason Beck.

On Tuesday, Marshall issued an apology in a statement on social media.

"Last weekend, in the hours after we lost, I made some inappropriate comments that I regret," Marshall's statement read in part. "The game is won and lost as a team, and I pointed fingers instead of taking accountability. I let my frustrations speak for me in an emotional moment. I apologize to my teammates and coaches for the unnecessary drama that this has caused."

pic.twitter.com/0ZaUGAPYXw
— Zack Marshall (@TheZackMarsh) October 6, 2026

Marshall’s text messages appeared on the College Transfer Portal X account, and here’s what one of them read.

“Basically our offense sucks cause if you blitz us we have no answers… we have an extra OL on the field every play and run different versions of power read every play [clown emoji]. Also beck tells Bryce where to go on every play and it gets strapped. Bryce is a good qb, beck is a problem.”

Marshall’s final text in the chat read as follows: “I never said this and this better not ever leave this group chat.”

Now, the Michigan tight end has taken accountability and issued an apology after the messages were made public.

Michigan has been in plenty of headlines, beginning after a controversial call in the opener against Western Michigan that resulted in a Wolverines’ victory.

Then, the Iowa Hawkeyes stunned the Wolverines in Ann Arbor on Sept. 26 with a last-second touchdown to give Iowa a 20-19 win.

Zack Marshall has yet to record a catch this season, and he had 15 receptions for 195 yards and a touchdown in 2025.

Michigan has a bye in Week 6 before facing Penn State in Ann Arbor, but it might be a long week-and-a-half in Ann Arbor.

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