Jordan Marshall took a shot at Ohio State this week.
Before he became a running back for the Wolverines, Marshall was a four-star recruit in the 2024 class, ranked as the No. 3 prospect in Ohio. Both Ohio State and Michigan recruited the Cincinnati native, but he ultimately committed to UM and has become a featured part of the team’s offense this season, especially with Justice Haynes sidelined due to injury.
On Tuesday, Marshall shared the reason he chose the Wolverines over the Buckeyes. He didn’t hold back.
"I really liked Tony Alford. He would probably be one of the reasons that I went there," Marshall said of his Ohio State recruitment. "I didn't like a few other people (at Ohio State), and that's truly why I didn't pick there. I think Coach Alford would tell you the same. He came here, and he sees the best head coach in the Big Ten, in college football, and how he carries himself and how he puts himself over the team. It's all about culture, and that's what I wanted to be around. I didn't want to be around people that were about themselves, and I truly just believe that. That's why Coach Alford came here, too. He knew that he wanted to be around better people."
Jordan Marshall, The 2023 Mr. Ohio Winner, on why he chose the University of Michigan over Ohio State #GoBlue #BeatOhio pic.twitter.com/EAKLoqy8Pb
— Michigan Football on UMGoBlue (@UMGoBlog) November 26, 2025
Marshall sustained a shoulder injury in Michigan’s win at Northwestern on Nov. 15. While he traveled and suited up for the Wolverines’ win at Maryland this past weekend, he didn’t record a snap. Marshall has no plans to miss The Game, however.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Marshall said. “I’m just excited. It’s a great opportunity for our team, for our coaches, for this university. Again, you only get so many opportunities to play in ones like this, and the best rivalry in sports. Taking it day by day, getting better every single day for Saturday, and just taking it one day at a time.”
Marshall added that he’s felt “fine” since he and his teammates left Chicago a week and a half ago. He’s excited to be back on the field in Ann Arbor on Saturday.
“I’m ready to go. I’m ready to hit somebody. I’m ready to run in that end zone again,” he said. “Again, it was exciting to watch those guys (Michigan’s backup running backs). That’s what this is all about is seeing everybody else’s success. That’s when you know you’re doing a great job. For me, getting to see those guys do that was exciting. I’m just excited to go out there and go to war with them.”
