Iowa Western QB Star Malachi Marshall Battles Injury, Impresses at Florida State

Council Bluffs, IA – Former Iowa Western Community College quarterback Malachi Marshall is making a strong impression at Florida State, despite a late start and an injury that sidelined him for the Seminoles' first fall scrimmage. The Rock Hill, South Carolina native, who led the Reivers to a national championship in 2025, is fighting for the backup quarterback role in Tallahassee.

Marshall didn't enroll at Florida State until late May, missing all 15 spring practices. That gave Ashton Daniels, who participated in those sessions, the starting nod. Now, an undisclosed injury forced Marshall to miss a key opportunity to seize the No. 2 spot during the first scrimmage of fall camp.

“A slight little injury that kept him from tonight, but hopefully we'll be able to get him back here this week and be able to see him in the next scrimmage,” Florida State head coach Mike Norvell said.

Despite the setback, Marshall has caught the eye of the coaching staff. Quarterbacks coach Austin Tucker praised his rapid adjustment.

“Just to see how quickly, him getting a late start, that he's able to learn the offense, build relationships with his players, and obviously go out and execute,” Tucker said.

From Council Bluffs to the ACC

Marshall's journey to Florida State is a testament to hard work and determination. After starting his college career at Stony Brook University, he transferred to Iowa Western Community College. There, he became one of the top junior college quarterbacks in the nation, leading the Reivers to a 12-1 record and the NJCAA Division I National Championship in 2025.

In 13 games, Marshall completed 201 passes for 2,750 yards and 33 touchdowns, with only eight interceptions. He also rushed for three touchdowns and 123 yards on 63 carries. His 33-to-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio highlights his decision-making and accuracy.

“The guy's been great; he's done a great job since he got here,” Tucker said. “He has great arm talent and has shown to make good decisions on the field.”

Confidence and Ambition

Marshall chose Florida State because he believes he can “do something great” in Tallahassee. The jump from the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference to the ACC is significant, but Marshall's confidence remains unshaken.

“I've got real big dreams and aspirations for myself, and I feel like this is the place to accomplish them,” Marshall said.

For Marshall, the rest of fall camp is about making up for lost time. If healthy enough to play in the next scrimmage, he will have another chance to prove his talent translates to the highest level of college football.

Iowa fans will be watching closely as one of their own aims to make an impact at a premier program like Florida State.