Michigan senior tight end Zack Marshall publicly apologized Tuesday, Oct. 6, after private messages attributed to him surfaced criticizing offensive coordinator Jason Beck and the coaching staff.

"I let my frustrations speak for me in an emotional moment," Marshall wrote in a social media post, according to MLive. "I apologize to my teammates and coaches for the unnecessary drama that this has caused."

The messages, published on social media Monday, Oct. 5, claimed that "the entire offense" is fed up with the coaching staff, MLive reported. One message claimed Beck held a meeting with the tight ends and "told us none of us are valuable to this offense."

Another criticized the offense's response to blitzes and its play design. The messages also criticized Beck while praising quarterback Bryce Underwood. These allegations do not independently establish what Beck told the players or how other players feel.

Marshall, in his fourth year at Michigan, has appeared in all five games this season but has not recorded a catch, according to Michigan's official statistics. He caught 16 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown in 2025, his official biography shows.

The leak followed Michigan's second consecutive loss. Michigan's 20-14 loss to Minnesota on Saturday, Oct. 3, dropped the team to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play. The offense managed a season-low 180 yards and 3.7 yards per play, with the game totals confirmed in the official box score.

Through five games, Michigan averages 315.8 yards of total offense per game, ranking 122nd in the Football Bowl Subdivision, according to MLive. Rushing production has fallen from 210.2 yards per game in 2025 to 135 this season.

Before the Minnesota game, offensive line coach Jim Harding told reporters Sept. 30 that the line was not where it needed to be and said he views offensive line play as a direct reflection of the offense's overall performance, according to The Michigan Daily.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham called the offensive output unacceptable after the Minnesota loss and said the staff would analyze the offense during the bye week, according to MLive. He hinted at potential changes but also defended Beck, telling reporters his coordinator's track record is outstanding, per The Detroit News.

Beck had praised the tight end group during fall camp on Aug. 20, calling them "probably the most steady, consistent group in the spring," according to The Michigan Daily.

A Michigan spokesperson said coaches knew about the matter and discussed it with Marshall, the Associated Press reported.

Michigan returns to action Saturday, Oct. 17, against Penn State at Michigan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. Eastern. Penn State was at 3-2 and 0-2 in Big Ten play as of Oct. 7 and hosts USC on Oct. 10 before visiting Ann Arbor.