Will Former WVU RB Tony Mathis Emerge as Starter for Marshall?

Will former Mountaineer Tony Mathis emerge as the starting running back for Marshall in 2025?

Mathis is listed on Marshall’s depth chart as one of their top running backs, but as the most veteran of the group, it’s possible he ends up being relied upon and then receives the bulk of the carries. Officially, an “or” is between each running back on Marshall’s depth chart.

Mathis and teammate Jo’shon Barbi were both placed on the Doak Walker Watch List.

𝑫𝒐𝒂𝒌 𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒖𝒐!!

Marshall RBs Jo'shon Barbie and Tony Mathis, Jr., have been named to the 2025 @DoakWalkerAward Watch List, given to the nation's top running back. pic.twitter.com/X4Po7sYTa3

— Marshall Football (@HerdFB) August 5, 2025

Back in February, Mathis was forced to contemplate his playing future after missing the entire 2024 season with an ACL injury. Fast forward a few months and Mathis decided he wanted to play so much that he was willing to drop down to the Group of 5 level and do so with Marshall.

After transferring from West Virginia following the 2022 season, Mathis was only able to gain 170 yards on 41 carries in 2023 before missing all of last season.

Mathis left West Virginia after four seasons under head coach Neal Brown and entered the transfer portal in May of 2023, eventually signing with former WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen.

Tony Mathis Jr. scores a rushing touchdown on Thursday night game against Baylor during the 2022 season. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Houston, Texas native rushed for 562 yards in 135 attempts during his final season as a Mountaineer and totaled 943 yards in 27 careers games at WVU. Mathis also scored seven touchdowns from scrimmage, combined on the ground and as a receiver. The Cedartown, Ga. native was recruited out of high school as a three-star prospect.

Find more coverage of Tony Mathis at WV Sports Now.