Football sees transfer portal departures, newcomers

College football’s transfer portal continues to be a nationwide game of “musical chairs,” and Troy has certainly been playing the game with many players departing, while others have committed to join the team for the 2026-27 season. 

Notable losses for Troy include wide receiver Roman Mothershed (LSU), cornerback Jaquez White (Virginia Tech), receiver DJ Epps (West Virginia), offensive lineman Paul Bowling (Florida State) and more. 

As of Jan. 20, Troy has brought in 14 players from the transfer portal including multiple with Power Four experience. 

Marcus Goree Jr. joins the Trojans after playing four games for Tennessee at the safety position. He is a former three-star that still has three years of eligibility remaining. 

Former Arkansas Razorback Kavion Henderson will be on the defensive line this fall for Troy. Standing at 6-2, 257 pounds, the Leeds, Aabama, native returns home after initially being a four-star prospect. 

Continuing to build strength in the trenches, Troy also brought in offensive lineman Darion Rivers out of NC State. The 6-6, 321 pound tackle has two years left of eligibility. 

Jaheim Merriweather joins the Troy backfield after spending time as a running back for Purdue. Though he had limited playing time, he averaged 4.7 yards per carry on his 17 touches including a touchdown scored against Indiana State in 2024. 

Other notable additions include TJ Lott, a former Old Dominion wide receiver, Southern Miss defensive back Jonathan Pennix, West Virginia kicker Ethan Head, Ohio offensive lineman Jordon Jones, Charleston Southern safety Knai Cook, Ole Miss kicker Jalen Ballard and Boston College defensive tackle Ty Clemons. 

Along with roster changes, the Trojans have brought in new offensive coordinator Adam Austin as well as strength and performance coach Ben Sowders. Austin spent time as the OC for Tarleton State last season.  

He led the Texans to be the top ranked offense in FCS, making it to the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs. Sowders joins Troy following time as the strength and conditioning director at Arkansas, where incoming transfer Kavion Henderson also played. 

When the Trojans run out onto the field this fall, there may be a lot of new faces, but in the continuously changing landscape of college football, head coach Gerad Parker has made sure to keep up with the portal and bring in plenty of new talent. 

Brady Fitch photo

Gerad Parker celebrates after Troy's 2025 win over South Alabama

Troy will kick off the 2026-27 season on Sept. 5 against Sam Houston at Veterans Memorial Stadium.