If things weren't already bad enough at Michigan after starting Big Ten play 0-2, it seems like the players in the building aren't too happy. Tight end Zack Marshall is in some hot water after a text conversation of his was leaked after the Minnesota game, and he doesn't seem to be happy with the way the Wolverines' offense is operating.
In some of the messages, Marshall spoke about offensive coordinator Jason Beck, saying he brought them into a meeting and stated, "none of us are valuable to this offense," which is a bold statement to make. Marshall went on to blame Beck for the problems with the offense, saying quarterback Bryce Underwood is actually very good, but it is Beck's calls that are the problem.
WILD: A conversation with Michigan TE Zack Marshall was LEAKED talking bad about the Michigan coaching staff.
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) October 5, 2026
Trouble brewing in Ann Arbor 😳 pic.twitter.com/G2csFZ2LGb
Marshall stated in the final message that he "never said this and this better not ever leave this group chat." Well, unfortunately for Marshall, the messages were leaked, and the conversation did not stay private.
So, on Tuesday afternoon, Marshall followed up on the leaked messages with an apology to his teammates and coaches, saying he was speaking out of frustration after the loss in an "emotional moment." Marshall said he is proud to represent Michigan and loves the university and team.
— Zack Marshall (@TheZackMarsh) October 6, 2026
Zack Marshall's comments about Michigan's were completely wrong
While Marshall probably shouldn't have stated his frustrations the way that he did, he probably didn't foresee his private messages getting leaked. In all honesty, players have every right to express frustrations and not have them aired out for the world to see. I do not condone the way Marshall spoke about the team and coaches, but he also wasn't completely wrong about it either.
Michigan's offense has been the main struggle and a big reason the team is 3-2 on the season. In both of Michigan's losses this year, the Wolverines struggled to score in key moments of the game. While the offense was able to move the ball well against Iowa, they struggled to finish drives in the red zone.
Against Minnesota, Michigan only scored on offense once when the defense gave them a short field on a turnover. Other than that, the offense struggled to get anything going, and turnovers against were an issue.
The passing attack for Michigan is a mess. Underwood has consistently only gotten the ball to either Andrew Marsh or JJ Buchanan. The tight ends have been nearly extinct in this offense, with only three guys, Hogan Handen, Jalen Hoffman, and Eli Owens, catching a combined nine receptions for 65 yards.
Beck's offensive play calls have made this offense so predictable when it comes to passing the ball. It is either going to go to Marsh or Buchanan, and it's a big reason Michigan wasn't able to march down the field at the end of the Minnesota game and have a real chance of winning.
So, Marshall didn't necessarily go about it the right way, but what he said in the texts wasn't wrong. There has been no update on any punishment for Marshall from Kyle Whittingham or Michigan on the matter.
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