WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- The Citadel football wide receiver
Jihad Marks signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers -- a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL) -- to join the franchise's ongoing training camp, which kicked off on Sunday, May 10.
"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity with Winnipeg and grateful for the chance to continue playing at a high level," Marks said. "I'm looking forward to competing, developing even more as a player and representing the organization the right way. Definitely thankful for everyone who's helped me get to this point, including my time at The Citadel."
Marks competed for one season with the Bulldogs, concluding the 2025 campaign as the team's top big-play target behind 14 catches for 464 yards and seven touchdowns. For the year, the graduate transfer generated three games with 100-plus receiving yards, all which spanned the final five contests of the season, en route to a 33.14 yards per catch average, good for first all-time in The Citadel record book as well as the top position on the FCS individual leaderboard for the category.
Notably, Marks headlined his stint in Charleston with a breakout performance during a come-from-behind victory against rival VMI, pulling down four receptions for 168 receiving yards -- good for the eighth-best single-game showing in program history -- and three scores, matching the second-highest touchdown catch total for The Citadel and now serving as the best individual scoring output since Andre Roberts grabbed four TDs in a victory over Presbyterian in 2009. Additionally, Marks' single-game receiving average for the victory of 42.0 yards per catch now ranks first all-time in the Bulldogs' record book as well.
Jihad is one of the best receivers I have been around in my coaching career," said
Lamar Owens, The Citadel offensive coordinator and wide receivers assistant coach. "He has great ability to win one-on-one matchups and create separation down the field, and an absolutely incredible football IQ. Jihad excels as a big-bodied receiver with great hands and a pro-ready blocking mentality, and his collegiate career has developed him into a guy who knows how to win."
Finally, Marks closed out the year on a memorable high note, reeling in a one-handed touchdown catch on the road at ETSU to score the No. 2 position on the ESPN College Football Final Top Plays rankings.
-- #FireThoseCannons --
