Jordan Marshall’s ReliaQuest Bowl Breakout Signals Bright Future for Michigan Football
Despite losing Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards to the upcoming NFL Draft, Michigan’s future at running back still looks promising after Jordan Marshall’s MVP performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The true freshman stepped up when Mullings and Edwards opted out, rushing for 100 yards on 23 carries in Michigan’s 19-13 upset over No. 11 Alabama.
Marshall was under immense pressure to perform on Tuesday, but rose to the occasion when Michigan needed him most. Speaking on Marshall’s breakout performance, Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore made a bold comparison:
“I think he’s got a bright future… Like I said, he reminds me so much of Blake [Corum], the way he approaches his business and what he does off the field to take care of his body, and you obviously saw how he runs. He’s a physical runner, he can make people miss, he can run you over.”
Michigan’s running back Jordan Marshall receives MVP award after ReliaQuest Bowl.
© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Any comparison to Blake Corum carries significant weight. Blake finished his Michigan career as the program’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (58), total touchdowns (61) and points scored (366), while setting single-season records for rushing touchdowns (27) and total touchdowns (28) during Michigan’s national championship run.
Marshall’s bowl game breakout, combined with Benjamin Hall’s development and incoming Alabama transfer Justice Haynes, suggests Michigan’s ground attack won’t miss a beat in 2025. Even with five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood and new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey potentially opening up the passing game, Marshall’s bowl game performance indicates the Wolverines’ power running identity remains intact. Marshall’s combination of power and elusiveness could make him the perfect complement to a more balanced offense. His ReliaQuest Bowl performance wasn’t just impressive – it was a glimpse of Michigan’s future.
