The Sun Belt issued a $100,000 fine to Marshall after the program opted out of last month's Independence Bowl against Army, citing an exodus of players via the transfer portal. "W

Marshall's decision to opt out of December's Independence Bowl against Army is turning out to be a costly one.

The Sun Belt Conference announced Friday it fined Marshall $100,000 for opting out of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl last month even though the Thundering Herd's roster had been depleted to 41 players after coach Charles Huff's exit to Southern Miss and as many as 36 players entering the transfer portal.

Marshall football went 10–3 during the 2024 football season, finishing the season with seven consecutive wins culminating in a 31–3 win over Louisiana in the Sun Belt championship. The Thundering Herd were set to celebrate that successful season with a trip to the Independence Bowl to take on Army.