CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – In the current everchanging landscape of college athletics, it’s become a rarity for top mid-major players to not throw their name into the transfer portal. In the case of Austin Peay men’s basketball, they not only retained one, but two of their top performers from the 2025-26 season in Rashaud Marshall and Zyree Collins.
Last week, Marshall sat down with Clarksville Now to explain his reasoning to return to Austin Peay and the loyalty he has for the university.
Impact on 2025-26 APSU team
Marshall averaged 16.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and just under one block per game during his junior campaign in the 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-8 big man dominated especially at the end of the regular season and in the ASUN Tournament.
Marshall put up a career-high 37 points against Bellarmine in the regular-season finale and then put up a double-double in both tournament games played.
Immediately after the Govs’ season ended in Jacksonville, Marshall was quick to say in the press conference that he would be back next season. In this day and age, it’s increasingly common for stars at mid-major programs to enter the transfer portal after big seasons.
However, Marshall is different, and last week, his return to the Govs was officially announced, alongside fellow star Zyree Collins.
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Marshall reveals reasons for staying with Austin Peay
Knowing how the transfer portal works, it seems likely that Marshall would have had options this offseason. However, Marshall explained that the thought never really crossed his mind.
The star began his college career at Ole Miss before transferring to Arkansas State, and he explained that Austin Peay is a special experience for him. “It’s just the bond that I have with the whole coaching staff, it’s a family bond. I haven’t had that in college basketball before,” Marshall told Clarksville Now.
Much of the credit for that bond can be attributed to head coach Corey Gipson. Gipson has not only brought unprecedented success on the court but has also earned rave reviews for his leadership.
“(Coach Gipson) wants you to give it all. In practice, we’re going 100% every day. People don’t realize how long we stay in the gym” Marshall said. “But coach always gave it to me straight, and my dad was a coach, so I appreciate that.”
In a time when coaches and players are seemingly on the move constantly, Marshall values the stability of Austin Peay. Above all, Marshall explained that he values loyalty. “Really, I’m just loyal to the Peay,” the Arkansas native said.
Big goals for 2026-27 season
With Marshall and Collins signed on for the 2026-27 season, expectations are understandably high. The Govs went on an exciting run last season but ultimately fell just shy of the ultimate goal of winning the conference tournament and making it to March Madness for the first time since 2016.
Falling just short of March isn’t something Marshall is going to forget. Marshall knows nothing is guaranteed, but he’s excited for another chance to dominate with the Govs and hopefully go a step further.
“I want to go to March Madness with this team,” said Marshall. “That’s always the ultimate goal. Win the conference, go to March Madness.”
Coach Gipson also recently spoke about the Govs’ “unfinished business,” so it’s clear this team will be plenty motivated heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
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