A community‑focused start to the season
Troy football players gathered at Trojan Arena for a fan‑day event, signing autographs and chatting with supporters. Lynda Scheid, a longtime Troy backer from Brundidge, attended the gathering and asked players about their hometowns, underscoring the personal connections the team cultivates with its fan base.
Deputy Athletics Director Dan Heck described the occasion as the unofficial kickoff of the 2026 campaign, aiming to reignite excitement among the community and set a positive tone for the months ahead.
Head coach Gerad Parker took the opportunity to highlight the program’s improved depth and discipline, especially on special teams and defensive fronts, noting that the roster’s new transfers and returning veterans are shaping a more competitive unit.
Parker specifically pointed to newcomers Noreel White, Howard Kinchen and Jace Petty as players who should become prominent figures at the wideout positions, while running backs Jaheim Merriweather and Jordan Lovett are expected to play key roles in the offense.
On defense, fifth‑year safety Justin Powe will anchor the secondary alongside familiar names such as Shemar Welch and Tai Terrell, providing stability and experience. The competition for field‑goal and kickoff duties remains open, with punter Evan Crenshaw emerging as the leading candidate, though a final decision has yet to be made.
The team’s season opener against Sam Houston on September 5 looms as a pivotal test, promising a showcase of the depth and preparation cultivated during the offseason and the fan‑day festivities.