Michigan tight end apologizes for leaked texts criticizing offense

Michigan senior tight end Zack Marshall posted an apology on X on Tuesday after screenshots of group-chat messages attributed to him began circulating Monday. The messages followed a loss at Minnesota in which Michigan gained 180 yards. Comments attributed to Marshall said offensive coordinator Jason Beck told the tight ends none of them are valuable to the offense, that the unit has no answers to blitzes and runs versions of power read with an extra offensive lineman, that Beck tells Bryce Underwood where to go on every play, and that Underwood is a good quarterback but Beck is a problem. One line said he never said this and it better not leave the chat. Marshall said he made inappropriate comments out of frustration after the loss, pointed fingers instead of taking accountability, and apologized for unnecessary drama. He has appeared in all five games and started against UTEP, with zero catches in 2026 after 16 for 199 yards and a touchdown in 2025. Michigan tight ends have nine catches for 65 yards and no touchdowns. The offense ranks 122nd nationally and 17th in the Big Ten. Coach Kyle Whittingham indicated changes were coming. Outlets differ on the Minnesota score as 20-14 or 20-13. Whether Marshall faces discipline remains unclear. Some coverage noted earlier turmoil under Sherrone Moore before Whittingham arrived. In August Marshall called the offense a beautiful thing built to have answers for everything.