Jordan Marshall Shines in Michigan’s ReliaQuest Bowl Victory, Eyes Bigger Goals for the Wolverines
In his first career start for Michigan, freshman running back Jordan Marshall delivered a standout performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl, leading the Wolverines to a 19-13 win over Alabama. Marshall carried the ball 23 times for 100 yards, including a 24-yard burst that highlighted his day—all career highs for the former Archbishop Moeller star.
For those who have followed Marshall’s journey, his success is no surprise. At Sky High Sportz, we’ve tracked his rise since high school, where he put together a legendary career. Marshall even graced the cover of Issue #12 of our digital magazine after a great performance in Archbishop Moeller's 2022 season opener against Massillon.
Marshall went on to win the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year that season and capped his high school career in 2023 by earning the prestigious Mr. Football title. By the time he graduated, Marshall had amassed 6,196 all-purpose yards, including a program-record 4,878 rushing yards and 80 touchdowns.
Now donning the maize and blue, Marshall has wasted no time making an impact in Ann Arbor. While the Wolverines closed out what many fans would call a “disappointing season” by Michigan’s lofty standards, wins over Ohio State and Alabama give the team momentum heading into the offseason. Marshall, however, made it clear in his postgame remarks that the Wolverines’ ambitions extend far beyond the ReliaQuest Bowl.
“Like I told Bryce [Underwood], right when we walked into the locker room, I was like, this isn’t happening again,” Marshall said, referencing Michigan’s heralded quarterback recruit, who recently joined the team. “We’re playing for the chip. We’re playing for the whole thing, the Natty. That’s what we want.”
Marshall’s leadership and drive were evident throughout his postgame interview, as he reflected on the team’s standards. “It’s a good season, but it’s not Michigan standard. And we gotta get it back to the standard, which is bringing national championships back here,” he said.
Marshall spoke on his performance by stating “They were telling me the whole game, ‘It’s gonna break, it’s gonna break, it’s gonna break.’ So I was just trusting my coaching, trusting myself to go make a play.”
As Michigan’s future stars like Underwood and Marshall step into larger roles, the Wolverines appear poised to reclaim their place at the top of the college football ranks. For Marshall, a player who has always risen to the occasion, the ReliaQuest Bowl was just the beginning.