Troy took a step back last season in Gerad Parker’s first year at the helm after winning consecutive Sun Belt titles in 2022 and 2023. The Trojans finished 4-8 and second-to-last in the Sun Belt West. They started 1-7 before winning three of their final four games.
This season, Troy will have something it lacked last year — experience. The Trojans return a handful of players with starting experience on both sides of the ball which should provide some stability that was missing last year as they dealt with a roster overhaul and injuries.
Troy returns some important foundational pieces and could be a pesky, under-the-radar team in the conference.
Troy Football’s Sun Belt Title Betting Odds
Troy’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +1500, via BetMGM.
Troy Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
- Troy’s win total Over/Under is 5.5.
- Over 5.5 is at -150.
- Under 5.5 is at +125.
Troy Football’s 2025 Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Nicholls
Sept. 6 at Clemson
Sept. 13 vs. Memphis
Sept. 20 at Buffalo
Oct. 4 vs. South Alabama
Oct. 11 at Texas State
Oct. 18 at ULM
Oct. 25 vs. Louisiana
Nov. 1 vs. Arkansas State
Nov. 13 at Old Dominion
Nov. 22 vs. Georgia State
Nov. 29 at Southern Miss
Bold indicates Sun Belt contests
Key Troy Football Returners
2024 All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention
OL Eli Russ
DL Luis Medina
LB Jordan Stringer
DB Devin Lafayette
Troy Football Season Preview
Troy Returns All-Conference Defenders
Despite the lowly 2024 season, the Trojans still had a solid defense last year. They allowed 28.4 points per game, which ranked eighth in the league, while their total defense (366 yards allowed per game) ranked fourth. I think there’s reason for optimism that this defense can be better than last year’s group.
One of the reasons is the return of Medina, who is the key guy on the defensive front. The senior is a returning leader and helps set the tone. Taleeq Robbins should also be a force on the defensive line.
Stringer returns after finishing tied for a team-high 77 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss last year. Steven Cattledge will likely be the other starting linebacker while Jah-Mal Williams will return at BANDIT and Lafayette will return at the SPEAR spot. Williams started two games last year and had 30 total tackles while Lafayette finished with 51 tackles and six TFLs in 10 starts. I think this is arguably the best position group on the roster.
Justin Powe is a starter returning in the secondary, and his 67 tackles were third most on the roster. He added four pass breakups and two interceptions. Senior cornerback Kaleno Levine should start at one of the cornerback spots after transferring in from Missouri State where he finished with 50 tackles and six pass breakups in 10 starts.
Georgia transfer David Daniel-Sisavanh Jr. is anticipated to have a big role on the defense. The safety was with the Bulldogs from 2021-23 and started in one game in 2023.
Goose Crowder Returns At QB For Troy
Offensively, redshirt junior Goose Crowder should be the Week 1 starter for the second year in a row. Crowder’s 2024 season was cut short due to injury, however, as he started four but only finished two games. He passed for 542 yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions.
The good news for Crowder is that Troy will have four offensive lineman back that started six or more games last year, meaning there’s depth and experience up front. Russ started nine games in 2024 between left guard and center.
Troy’s Wide Receivers And Running Backs
It’s hard to know who the top target for Crowder will be. Slot wideout Peyton Higgins returns after catching 31 passes for 301 yards last year, but I believe transfers RaRa Thomas (Georgia) and Tray Taylor (Coastal Carolina) will be weapons as well.
Roman Mothershed, a 6-foot-4 sophomore, could command more targets after reportedly having a great spring, and tight end Ethan Conner should also play a role as he showed promise last year prior to being hit with the injury bug.
Troy will look to replace its 1,000-yard rusher Damien Taylor, who transferred to Ole Miss, and second-leading rusher Gerald Green (545 yards). There’a a chance a couple of returning backs could help fill this void including Jordan Lovett, who also dealt with injuries most of last season. Georgia Tech transfer Trey Cooley should also be in the mix.
Troy Football Season Prediction
I don’t anticipate Troy will win the Sun Belt, but I think it’ll win at least five games and a bowl game will be in reach. The non-conference slate is tough, but I think the Trojans will perform better in league play than expected.
