Rankin’s journey began just minutes from campus, growing up in a community where sports, family and pride shaped everything. When it came time for college, Marshall offered not just a full scholarship but a full-circle opportunity to grow as a journalist, a student and a young man still discovering his voice.
“It gave me a great starting point,” Rankin says. “And I made the most of it.”
Three moments stand out from Rankin’s time at Marshall, each shaping his path. First was the determination to prove himself.
“There were students from other schools with big reputations, and I thought, ‘This is my campus, my city,’” Rankin said. “I wanted to show I belonged.”
That mindset led to a 3.75 GPA in his first semester and a clear sense of purpose.
The second was the support system. Rankin came to Marshall with lifelong friends from Huntington High, Shannon King and LeRon Chapman, who were also building their futures as part of Marshall’s football program.
And the third? Sports, especially Marshall football’s golden era.
“I’ll never forget standing at the field’s edge in 1992, waiting to rush out after we won the I-AA national championship,” Rankin says. “Growing up, we saw Marshall football at its lowest. Then we watched it rise. Seeing friends like Shannon lifted up after that win was one of the best moments of my life.”
As a student journalist, Rankin rose to become The Parthenon’s sports editor. He covered marquee moments like Billy Donovan’s arrival as basketball coach.
“He promised a Sweet 16,” Rankin laughs. “I was skeptical, but he had that presence.”
Years later, when covering Donovan at Florida, Rankin reminded him of those bold promises. The coach replied with a grin: “I meant them for Florida.”
“I really enjoyed my time there,” Rankin said. “I learned a lot, and it prepared me for the opportunity, the career that I ended up having. I learned a lot from Ralph Turner, Professor Jensen, Hal Shaver was my advisor, Dr. Arnold, and Professor Johnson.”
Opportunities continued to grow from there. Through the Sports Journalism Institute (SJI), Rankin earned a spot in its inaugural class, launching a career that took him through college football hotbeds and eventually into the NBA. He’s covered legends like Peyton Manning, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and Derrick Henry to name a few.
Covering Tennessee football and basketball, Alabama football, Clemson football, the Southeastern Conference tournament, and the G-League and National Basketball Association started with a conversation he had with a professor.
“A lot of the professors I had were great, but Professor Jensen, he sat me down and talked to me about the business, and that was important to me,” Rankin said.
What hasn’t changed? His deep love for Marshall — and Marshall football. Rankin and a close group of alumni have made it a tradition to attend one big road game each season. From Notre Dame to NC State to Ohio State, he shows up in his Herd gear.
“I stay to the final whistle, and soak in the shared pride of Herd Nation,” Rankin said. “I’ve already got my tickets to watch the Herd play in Athens against the University of Georgia. I’m all in. Every year, no matter what.”
Rankin says you don’t realize the pride you have for Marshall, Huntington or the state until you’re away.
“I’m from West Virginia, not Virginia,” Rankin said. “And I’m from Huntington, not Huntington Beach. And Marshall was the first Group of Five football team to make waves, not Boise State.”
Looking back, Rankin sees his journey as one that’s still in motion.
“It’s still in progress. The journey is still continuing — it’s not over,” Rankin said. “To go from that person in Huntington trying to figure out who he was, to fast forward to now and I’ve covered NBA finals, been face-to-face with Nick Saban, to think I would be covering these people and writing about these people is insane.”
From The Parthenon newsroom to NBA arenas around the country, Duane Rankin’s story is one of pride, persistence and an unwavering connection to the university — and city — that helped launch it all.
