Marshall Football 2026: South Alabama Showdown Tonight, Live Score, TV Channel, Schedule, Roster and Prediction

Marshall football faces South Alabama tonight, Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, West Virginia. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with live coverage on ESPN2 and streaming via ESPN app and fuboTV. The Thundering Herd enter at 4-3 (2-1 Sun Belt) and need a win to stay in the Sun Belt East race, while the Jaguars are 5-2 (3-1) and looking to solidify their division lead.

What time and channel is Marshall vs South Alabama tonight?

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The game airs on ESPN2 and can be streamed on ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and fuboTV (free trial). According to OregonLive.com, the broadcast team features Clay Matvick (play-by-play), Rocky Boiman (analyst) and Dawn Davenport (sideline).

What are the odds and prediction for South Alabama vs Marshall?

Marshall is a 3.5-point home favorite with the total set at 54.5 points, according to Covers.com. Their model projects a 27-24 Marshall win, citing the Herd's 5-1 record in Tuesday night games since 2020 and South Alabama's 1-4 mark in Huntington all-time.

AL.com's scouting report notes South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez has thrown for 1,842 yards and 14 touchdowns against only four interceptions, while Marshall's defense ranks 28th nationally in scoring defense (20.1 points per game). The Jaguars are 5-2 but have lost two of three on the road. Marshall's rushing attack, led by Jordan Houston (612 yards, 6 TDs), should control tempo.

What is Marshall's 2026 football schedule and results so far?

Marshall is 4-3 through seven games in 2026, with a 2-1 mark in Sun Belt play. The Herd opened with a 31-17 win over Albany, lost at Virginia Tech (24-13), beat Gardner-Webb (42-10), fell at Coastal Carolina (28-21), defeated Old Dominion (27-20), lost to James Madison (34-24) and beat Georgia State (35-14) last week.

What does Marshall's 2026 roster look like?

Marshall's 2026 roster is led by quarterback Braylon Braxton (1,604 passing yards, 11 TDs, 5 INTs), running back Jordan Houston (612 rushing yards, 6 TDs) and wide receiver Chuck Montgomery (38 catches, 512 yards, 4 TDs). On defense, linebacker Jaden Yates has a team-high 58 tackles, while defensive end Mike Green has 6.5 sacks. Kicker Rece Verhoff is 12-of-14 on field goals.

Head coach Charles Huff is in his sixth season (40-27 record at Marshall). The Herd returned 14 starters from the 2025 team that went 8-5 and reached the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Key transfers include former Virginia Tech safety Jalen Stroman and ex-West Virginia receiver Cortez Braham.

What is the history of the Marshall football plane crash and the movie about it?

On November 14, 1970, a Southern Airways DC-9 carrying the Marshall football team crashed near Huntington, killing all 75 people on board, including 37 players, eight coaches, and 25 boosters and crew. It remains the deadliest sports tragedy in U.S. history. The 2006 film "We Are Marshall" starring Matthew McConaughey chronicles the aftermath and the program's rebuilding under coach Jack Lengyel.

Marshall honors the victims annually with a memorial fountain ceremony at the Memorial Student Center. The 1971 team, composed largely of freshmen and walk-ons, went 2-8 but became a symbol of resilience. According to Marshall University, the crash led to the NCAA allowing freshmen to play varsity football for the first time.

How can fans buy Marshall football tickets for the 2026 season?

Tickets for Marshall home games are available through HerdZone.com, the official athletics website, and Ticketmaster. Single-game tickets for the South Alabama game start at $35 for end zone seats and $60 for sideline sections. Students get free entry with a valid Marshall ID. According to Marshall Athletics, average home attendance in 2026 is 26,842 through three games, up 8 percent from 2025.

What is the prediction for Marshall vs South Alabama tonight?

Marshall wins 27-24, according to Covers.com's model, which gives the Herd a 58 percent win probability. The key matchup is Marshall's 28th-ranked scoring defense against South Alabama's 41st-ranked passing offense. The Herd are 5-1 in Tuesday night games since 2020 and 8-2 at home over the past two seasons. Expect a close game decided by turnovers; Marshall is plus-4 in turnover margin at home this year.

"We know Tuesday night games are a different animal," Marshall coach Charles Huff said this week. "Our guys are ready for the spotlight. South Alabama is a quality opponent, but we protect our house."

For live score updates, follow the Marshall Athletics official X account and ESPN's gamecast. The winner stays in the driver's seat for the Sun Belt East title and a potential spot in the Sun Belt Championship Game on December 5, 2026.