A former Mississippi State football star is earning accolades in his rookie season in the NFL. Houston Texans' running back Woody Marks was named the NFL's Rookie of the Week following a breakout performance in a Week 4 win over the Titans.
.@HoustonTexans RB @JoquaviousMarks' 2-TD performance earned him the @pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award for Week 4 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bFlbMjKY9x
— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2025
Marks toted the ball a season-high 17 times for 69 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 50 yards and another touchdown. Marks' TD reception came on the first play of the fourth quarter, a 12-yard pass from QB CJ Stroud to put the Texans ahead 12-0. It was the first TD of Marks' young career. Later in the closing minutes of the game, Marks would scamper 18 yards for a rushing score to seal a 26-0 win over Tennessee.
With 119 yards from scrimmage and two scores, it was far and away the best performance by Woody Marks so far in his rookie campaign, more than doubling his previous season totals for yardage. Texans' head coach DeMeco Ryans praised Marks for his breakout game, saying he "ran the ball really well for us...caught it well, made plays; productive. Got in the endzone a couple of times. So, really proud of the way that he played as well."
It was the type of performance that should earn Woody Marks plenty more touches in the Texans' offense going forward. The 2025 4th round pick is currently sharing the backfield with veteran Nick Chubb, and while Chubb has previously been one of the league's best, his production is fading at this point in his career. It's very possible Woody Marks soon becomes the top option at running back on the Houston roster.
Woody Marks played four seasons at Mississippi State from 2020-2023. He ran for 1883 yards and 22 TDs in his career but primarily made his mark as a pass-catcher in Mike Leach's Air Raid attack. Marks hauled in an MSU record 214 receptions for 1225 yards, the most career receiving yards by a Bulldog RB.
He would ultimately finish his collegiate career at USC, posting a 1133-yard rushing season for the Trojans in 2024. But after giving MSU four years of tough running (and receiving) and consistent effort, he remains rightfully beloved by Bulldog fans. He'll still always be a Bulldog, and it's great to see him breaking out on Sundays.