Football looks forward to 2025 season as fall camp ends

The lights at Veterans Memorial Stadium are soon to be shining bright as the Troy football team prepares for the start of the 2025 season. 

Brady Fitch photo

Junior linebacker Luke Hodge reads the offense during a scrimmage

In the second year under Head Coach Gerad Parker, Troy looks to right many of its wrongs from last season. The Trojans finished 4-8 and 3-5 in conference play in 2024. Despite the disappointment, fans can see a silver lining in Troy’s 3-1 record in November. 

The Parker era will begin its sophomore season against Nicholls at home. Week two will feature the only Power Four opponent on the schedule when the team travels to play fourth-ranked Clemson. Non-conference play will wrap up with a hopeful revenge game against Memphis, along with a road trip to face Buffalo. 

Troy will have an opportunity to set the tone for Sun Belt Conference play when it opens at home against rival South Alabama. The Jaguars snapped a six-year losing streak in the Battle for the Belt last season but will now have to defend it in the Vet. 

Old Dominion will play host to a nationally-televised game on ESPN with the Trojans on Thursday, Nov. 13. It is the only weeknight game on Troy’s schedule this season. The team is currently set to be featured on national television three times, with many games’ broadcast locations yet to be determined. 

Offensively, Goose Crowder will remain at the helm as the starting quarterback. The junior played only 11 quarters last year after battling multiple injuries last season. 

Redshirt senior Trey Cooley will join Crowder in the backfield at running back. Transferring in from Georgia Tech, he steps into the shoes of Damien Taylor. Taylor transferred to Ole Miss following last season. 

The receiving corps for Troy sees returners Peyton Higgins and Mojo Dortch, along with former Mississippi State and Georgia Bulldog RaRa Thomas.  

Defense has been the staple of Troy football for many years now. With 10 starting seniors on that side of the ball, the Trojans will look to make sure that remains the case. 

Defensive back Devin Lafayette and defensive lineman Luis Medina were both selected for Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team honors. Both received honorable mentions last year. 

The incredible story of strong safety Justin Powe continues in his junior season. Just before the 2024 season, he was awarded a scholarship after joining the team as a walk-on. He is now expected to be the only defensive starter that is not a senior. 

Special teams is never something to be forgotten about, and kicker Scott Taylor Renfroe hopes to have an impact in his third year as a starter. The homegrown player out of Pike Liberal Arts School here in Troy, Alabama, joins a few other teammates as a Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team selection. 

The Sun Belt Preseason polls have Troy finishing sixth in the west division. The team retains its “Battle Ready” motto as they aim to be ready to prove voters and doubters wrong. 

The Trojans kick off the season against Nicholls on Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The season opener will air on ESPN+ and the Troy Sports Media Network.