Huntington is just different in the winter. If you've ever stood outside the Cam Henderson Center when the wind is whipping off the Ohio River, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Inside, though? It’s a pressure cooker. Honestly, the Marshall University basketball schedule this year is basically a gauntlet designed to test whether Cornelius "Corny" Jackson’s squad has the depth to survive the Sun Belt’s travel demands.
People focus on the big names. They look for the Virginias or the West Virginias. But if you’re actually following this team, you know the real season starts when the January humidity hits those Southern gyms.
Why the January Slate is a Make-or-Break Stretch
Most casual fans check the scores and move on. You've probably noticed the Herd sitting at 11-7 right now after that wild win against James Madison. That 77-72 victory was vintage Marshall. Jalen Speer dropped 22 points, and the place was absolutely rocking with over 4,300 people. It felt like the old days.
But look at what's coming up. The schedule doesn't let up just because the fans are happy.
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The upcoming run is brutal. On January 22, 2026, Marshall hosts Louisiana-Monroe at 7:00 PM. Then, they turn around on January 24 to face a South Alabama team that usually plays the Herd tough. After that? Two straight on the road. Texas State on January 28 and Arkansas State on January 31.
Traveling in the Sun Belt is no joke. You aren't just hopping on a quick flight. It’s bus rides, late nights, and gyms in San Marcos where the students are literally on top of you.
The MAC-SBC Challenge Factor
There's this weird quirk in the middle of February that everyone forgets until it’s happening. It’s the MAC-SBC Challenge. On February 7, 2026, Marshall steps out of conference play to host Miami (OH).
Why does this matter? Because it’s a momentum killer or a season saver.
Last time I checked, the Sun Belt and the MAC were tied in this series. It’s about pride, sure, but for a team like Marshall trying to climb the standings, a loss to a MAC school in February can tank your NET ranking faster than a bad blowout.
The Women’s Schedule is Actually the Secret Story
Everyone talks about the men, but Juli Fulks has the women’s team playing some of the most disciplined basketball I’ve seen in years. They’re 15-5 for a reason.
If you haven't been watching the women’s Marshall University basketball schedule, you're missing out. They just had a tough weekend on the road at JMU and Old Dominion, but they're coming home soon.
- Jan 28: vs Troy (6:00 PM)
- Jan 31: vs Louisiana (1:00 PM)
- Feb 12: vs Georgia State (6:00 PM)
The Troy game on the 28th is the one you need to circle. Troy plays a style that is basically organized chaos. If Marshall can handle that press, they’re for real.
Key Matchups You Can't Miss
The end of February for the men’s team is a "Henderson Center Special." They close out with two massive home games:
- February 24: Old Dominion (7:00 PM)
- February 27: Georgia Southern (8:30 PM)
That Georgia Southern game is on a Friday night. Expect it to be loud. It’s the regular-season finale, and with the way the Sun Belt standings are looking, seeding for the tournament in Pensacola will likely come down to that final buzzer.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
The biggest misconception? That home-court advantage is a given.
Marshall lost to Coastal Carolina at home on January 14. 85-83. It was a heartbreaker. In the Sun Belt, "home" doesn't mean "automatic win." It means you have a slightly better chance of not getting screwed by a late-game call.
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Also, people underestimate the travel. When the Herd goes from Huntington to San Marcos, Texas, that’s a massive jump. The legs get heavy. The threes stop falling. You’ll see it in the shooting percentages in the second half of those road games.
How to Actually Get Into the Games
Don't just show up and expect a $10 ticket at the window for the big games. Those days are sort of over.
Season tickets started at $150 this year, and for the big matchups like App State or JMU, the "Cam" fills up fast. If you’re looking for single-game tickets, the official university site is your best bet, but honestly, SeatGeek has become the "official" secondary market.
If you want to save a few bucks, look for the midweek games against the lower-tier Sun Belt teams. The atmosphere is still great, but you won't be fighting as much for a parking spot near 20th Street.
Actionable Next Steps for Herd Fans
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official HerdZone site and download the calendar file directly to your phone. Don't rely on Google snippets that might not have the most recent time changes.
- Watch the Women’s Team: If the men’s game is sold out, the women’s games offer high-level basketball for a fraction of the price and usually better seating.
- Prep for Pensacola: The Sun Belt Tournament starts March 3, 2026. If you’re planning to go, book your hotel in Pensacola now. Every fan base in the conference descends on that city at once.
- Check the TV Postings: Most games are on ESPN+, but the late February games often get picked up by ESPNU or ESPN2. Check the listings 48 hours before tip-off.
The 2025-26 season is hitting the home stretch. Whether it's the men fighting for a top-four seed or the women trying to repeat as champs, the next few weeks are going to be a wild ride in Huntington.