Marshall 2025 Preview

The Marshall Statesmen came out swinging in 2023, winning five of their first six games and earning a playoff berth for the first time in three years. The team’s identity—tough, physical, and hard-nosed—was on full display all season. Head coach George Masten and his staff are entering year three of their rebuild, and the culture they’ve established is beginning to show real results. “We are a hardworking, hard-hitting football team that doesn’t quit,” Masten said. “Whether we’re picked to win or lose, we’re giving it our all.”

That grit helped power Marshall to its first winning season since 2020. They ultimately fell in the first round of the playoffs to Langley, but the foundation is set. “We’re still working on the culture,” Masten added. “Rome wasn’t built in a few years—but things are looking bright.”

This offseason has been all about sharpening the basics and building mental toughness. The team has leaned into a blue-collar approach—running hills on campus, tug-of-war competitions, hitting sleds, and pushing each other through demanding drills. “We’ve emphasized competitive nature and mental toughness,” Masten said. The Statesmen are also attending a multi-day overnight camp in July to build chemistry and competition.

The season starts with a “Marshall Express” mentality. “There are 17 stops on the way to our final destination—the state finals,” Masten said. “First stop is Woodgrove, our first scrimmage.”

Marshall does lose several key contributors from last year’s squad, including Oliver Smith (DE/TE), who was among the state leaders with 17 sacks and is now playing at Grove City in Pennsylvania. Two-way standout Ethan Lebkisher—a 1,000+ yard rusher and 90-tackle linebacker—was one of the most productive players in the region and will be missed. Also gone are James Ely, their most consistent lineman, and versatile returner Peyton Lubbe.

Still, the returning core is hungry. Leading the way is Anders Peterson, a senior two-way lineman who earned 1st team All-Region honors on offense. Fellow senior lineman Simon Rodham (2nd Team All-District) helps solidify a line that returns talent and toughness. Defensively, Kevin Aleman brings physicality at linebacker and fullback, while Xavior Williams (Honorable Mention DL) will clog things up at nose guard. Luke Zabrowski, a junior who rotated in late last year, is another name to watch at LB/FB.

One of the most exciting storylines is the depth and energy in Marshall’s junior class. Masten expects several juniors to push seniors for starting roles—and that internal competition is exactly what he wants. “It’s not a position group—it’s the whole class. They’re ready.”

Schematically, don’t expect any wild changes. “We’re going to do what we do,” Masten said. That means triple option on offense, and an aggressive, multi-front defense that plays with what he proudly calls a “BAMF mentality.”

But more than anything, Masten wants to see his guys competing with joy. “Are they smiling while they’re running up Hell Horse Hill? Are they encouraging each other when it’s getting tough? Are they running on and off the field?” It’s those little things—the culture pieces—that matter most. And this year, Marshall looks ready to take the next step.