West Virginia’s instate rival, Marshall, lands another football recruit exiting Morgantown. A former WVU player has committed to play for Marshall, now led by former Mountaineer coach Tony Gibson.
Sammy Etienne committed to WVU in the Class of 2025 and enrolled early -- spending the spring semester with the Mountaineers for offseason practices -- and has now made the decision to play for Coach Gibson in Huntington after parting ways with West Virginia. Etienne, a defensive back, joined Marshall last Thursday after entering the transfer portal on April 10.
Marshall scoops up another #WVU player out of the transfer portal https://t.co/rZ3MIhJMfU
— Schuyler Callihan (@Callihan_) May 1, 2025
Coach Gibson has not been shy about recruiting former WVU players to join the other Division 1 program in the state. Etienne will be the fourth player this offseason to switch their commitment from WVU to Marshall, joining Bryce Biggs, Judah Price, and Zah Jackson.
Etienne decides to join the Marshall Thundering Herd, leaving the Mountaineers
Coming out of Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Florida, Etienne was a three-star recruit according to 247 Sports. He was a two-way player in high school. The 5’11” 175-pounder recorded 59 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception on the defensive side of the ball. Making the 3S playoffs, Etienne also recorded 15 receptions for 237 yards, adding two punt return touchdowns in 2023.
Etienne is just the latest to make the jump from WVU to Marshall, but he might not be the last. It seems former Gibson is not afraid to go after players from his old program in the transfer portal.