NC State has been working to find a replacement for Cincinnati on the 2023 football schedule after the Bearcats pulled out in preparation for transitioning to the Big 12. Similarly, Marshall was in a position looking for a non-conference opponent after Navy backed out of their planned game. This whole situation works out well for The Herd, as they come out ahead $1.25 million in this scenario. Marshall receives a $250k buyout from their original contract with Navy signed back in 2011. NC State will pay them $150k for coming to Raleigh. On top of that, Cincinnati agreed to pay Marshall $850k in order to get out of the game with NC State.