Jo’Quavious "Woody" Marks has quickly transitioned from a collegiate standout to a reliable offensive weapon for the Houston Texans. Selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Marks brought a unique "dual-threat" skill set to the professional stage, characterized by his elite pass-catching ability for a running back and his durability between the tackles.

Houston Texans 2025 Rookie Season Performance

In his debut NFL season with the Houston Texans, Woody Marks established himself as a vital component of the team's backfield rotation. Playing in 16 games and earning 8 starts, Marks demonstrated the versatility that defined his college career.

2025 Season Statistical Totals

Throughout the 2025 campaign, Marks' production was balanced across both the rushing and receiving departments:

  • Rushing Attempts: 196
  • Rushing Yards: 703
  • Average Yards Per Carry: 3.6
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 2
  • Receptions: 24
  • Receiving Yards: 208
  • Average Yards Per Catch: 8.7
  • Longest Reception: 50 yards
  • Total Touchdowns: 5 (2 rushing, 3 receiving)

Week-by-Week Game Logs

Analyzing the game logs provides a clearer picture of how Marks was utilized within the Texans' offensive scheme. His workload peaked in the late-season stretch as he grew more comfortable with the NFL pace.

  • Week 18 vs. Colts: Marks carried the ball 10 times for 48 yards (4.8 avg) in a 38-30 victory, adding 2 receptions.
  • Week 14 @ Chiefs: One of his heaviest workloads, recording 26 carries for 68 yards and showing significant grit against a tough defensive front.
  • Week 10 vs. Jaguars: A standout performance where he recorded 14 carries for 63 yards and secured a rushing touchdown.
  • Week 4 vs. Titans: Marks showcased his red-zone efficiency with a rushing touchdown and added 4 receptions for 50 yards and a receiving touchdown, marking one of his most productive fantasy football outings of the season.
  • Week 2 vs. Buccaneers: While he only had 3 carries, he made a massive impact in the passing game with a 37-yard reception.

The Collegiate Foundations at USC and Mississippi State

Before joining the NFL, Woody Marks was a statistical juggernaut in the college ranks. His journey took him from the "Air Raid" system of Mississippi State to the high-powered offense of the USC Trojans.

The USC Chapter (2024)

In his lone season at USC as a redshirt senior, Marks became the focal point of the Trojans' ground game. He achieved a milestone that had eluded USC rushers for seven years, becoming the program's first 1,000-yard rusher since Ronald Jones II in 2017.

  • Rushing Production: 1,133 yards on 198 carries.
  • Touchdowns: 9 rushing scores.
  • Efficiency: Averaged 5.7 yards per carry.
  • Receiving: 47 receptions for 321 yards.

His 1,133 rushing yards ranked him 24th on USC’s all-time single-season rushing list. Marks was particularly explosive in the Big Ten, recording 37 explosive runs and averaging 121.17 all-purpose yards per game. Notable performances included a 146-yard rushing effort against Nebraska and a 134-yard game against Minnesota.

The Mississippi State Legacy (2020–2023)

Marks spent four seasons with the Bulldogs, where he redefined the role of a running back in the passing game. He left Starkville as the school's all-time leader in career receptions.

  • Career Receptions: 214 (School Record).
  • Receiving Yards by a Running Back: 1,225 (School Record).
  • 2021 Season: His most productive receiving year at MSU, catching 83 passes for 502 yards and 3 touchdowns.
  • Durability Streak: He held a streak of 45 consecutive games with a catch at Mississippi State, which eventually extended to 56 games during his time at USC—the longest active streak in the nation at the time.

Technical Analysis of Woody Marks' Playstyle

The statistics suggest a player who thrives on volume and versatility. At 5'10" and approximately 208 lbs, Marks possesses a low center of gravity that aids in contact balance.

Pass-Catching Reliability

One of the most significant "advanced" stats for Woody Marks is his catch rate. Throughout his five-year college career, he tallied 261 receptions. In the NFL, he continued this trend by averaging nearly 9 yards per catch. This ability makes him an "escape valve" for quarterbacks under pressure.

Explosiveness and Efficiency

At USC, Marks was ranked 4th in the Big Ten for explosive runs. While his NFL average of 3.6 yards per carry reflects the difficulty of the professional game, his ability to break long gains—highlighted by a 50-yard reception in 2025—indicates that he remains a threat to score from anywhere on the field.

Comparing College and Professional Efficiency

When looking at the transition from college to the NFL, we see a shift in how Marks is utilized:

Category College Career (MSU + USC) NFL Rookie Season (2025)
Games Played 57 16
Avg Rushing Yards/Game 52.9 43.9
Receptions/Game 4.6 1.5
Yards Per Touch 5.2 4.1

In college, Marks was often the primary receiver out of the backfield. In the Houston Texans' system, his rushing workload increased relative to his receiving targets, though he remained efficient when the ball was thrown his way.

Why Woody Marks is a Value Asset in Fantasy Football

For fantasy managers, Marks provides a "safe floor," particularly in PPR (Points Per Reception) formats. His history of catching at least one pass in 56 consecutive games is a testament to his involvement in the passing game. As he enters his second season in the NFL, expectations for his yardage totals are expected to rise as he adjusts to the Texans' blocking schemes.

Summary of Career Achievements

Woody Marks has proven that his statistical success in the SEC and Big Ten was no fluke. With over 3,000 rushing yards and 1,500 receiving yards in college, followed by a 700+ yard rushing rookie season in the NFL, he has established himself as a reliable pro. His ability to stay healthy—missing only one game in five years of college football—is perhaps his most underrated statistic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was Woody Marks' draft position?

Woody Marks was selected by the Houston Texans in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with the 116th overall pick.

How many receptions did Woody Marks have in college?

Marks recorded a total of 261 receptions across his four years at Mississippi State and one year at USC, setting records at Mississippi State for the most career catches.

Is Woody Marks still on the Houston Texans?

Yes, Woody Marks is an active running back for the Houston Texans, wearing jersey number 27.

What are Woody Marks' physical measurements?

Woody Marks stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 208 pounds.

Did Woody Marks have a 1,000-yard rushing season?

Yes, during the 2024 season at USC, Marks rushed for 1,133 yards, becoming the first Trojan to cross the 1,000-yard mark since 2017.