A historic matchup on the horizon
Troy University will open its 2026 campaign on September 5 at home against Sam Houston, marking the first meeting between the two programs at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. The kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+. The matchup is notable not only for its novelty at the FBS tier but also for the deep historical roots the teams share from their days in the FCS Southland Conference.
The Trojans enter the season with a strong preseason pedigree. In the 2026 Sun Belt Conference Football Preseason Coaches Poll, Troy captured 12 of the 14 first‑place votes, underscoring the confidence coaches have in the program. The team is projected to finish atop the Sun Belt West Division and secure a spot in its fourth championship game in five seasons, a testament to the program’s steady rise over the past few years.
Key players and coaching continuity
Head coach Gerad Parker, now in his third year at the helm, will continue to shape the squad’s identity. Under his guidance, the roster returns two First Team All‑Sun Belt selections from 2025 and boasts standout seniors such as defensive lineman Donnie Smith, who earned Preseason Defensive Player of the Year honors, and punter Evan Crenshaw, named Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year. Both athletes are expected to anchor the team’s performance on opposite sides of the ball.
The non‑conference slate includes games against Alabama State on September 12, Missouri on September 19 and Utah State on September 26. A highly anticipated rematch with James Madison is slated for October 29, echoing the 2025 Sun Belt Championship Game that the Trojans won. Additional conference battles will pit Troy against Georgia Southern and other Sun Belt rivals, setting the stage for a demanding but promising schedule.