Troy Football Depth Chart: What Most People Get Wrong

Troy football isn't just another Group of Five program. Honestly, if you've been paying attention to the Sun Belt lately, you know the Trojans have turned into a literal factory for defensive grit and "punch you in the mouth" physicality. But looking at the Troy football depth chart heading into 2026? It’s a bit of a puzzle.

We’re coming off a chaotic 2025 season where Gerad Parker took the reins and somehow navigated a maze of injuries to grab a Sun Belt West title. But the roster you see today isn't the one that walked off the field at the Salute to Veterans Bowl. Between the transfer portal's revolving door and the arrival of a new offensive mastermind, things are... different.

The Goose is Still Loose (But Watch the Backup)

The biggest question in Alabama’s Wiregrass region is always the quarterback. Goose Crowder is the guy. Period. When he’s healthy, he’s a surgeon with a 98-yard touchdown pass on his resume. But that "when he's healthy" part is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

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In 2025, Crowder missed seven games. He’s tough, but he’s been banged up more than a used car on a lot. This puts Tucker Kilcrease right in the spotlight. Kilcrease actually threw for more yards (1,537) and played in more games (11) than Crowder last year.

Basically, you have a 1A and 1B situation here.

• QB1: Goose Crowder (The high-ceiling veteran)
• QB2: Tucker Kilcrease (The battle-tested insurance policy)
• The Wildcard: UI Ale or freshman Jack James.

Keep an eye on the new Offensive Coordinator, Adam Austin. He just came from Tarleton State where his offense averaged 42 points a game. He likes to go fast. If Crowder can stay upright, this Troy football depth chart might finally see the "explosive" label stick.

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The Post-Tae Meadows Rushing Vacuum

Here’s the gut punch: Tae Meadows is gone. He led the team with nearly 700 yards last year and then hopped into the portal right after the season ended. It happens. It sucks, but it’s the era we live in.

So, who carries the rock now?

Jordan Lovett is the name you’ll hear most. He’s listed at the top of the preliminary Troy football depth chart, and for good reason. He’s shifty. Behind him, you’ve got Jarris Williams and the veteran Trey Cooley. It’s going to be a "running back by committee" vibe until someone proves they can handle 20 carries without slowing down.

Honestly, the offensive line might be the bigger story. They brought in Patrick Screws Jr. from Georgia Tech and Vysen Lang from Tennessee. You don't bring in SEC-sized bodies like that unless you plan on running the ball down people's throats.

A Defensive Identity Built on Transfers

Troy’s defense is usually where the magic happens. Last year, Jordan Stringer was an absolute maniac at linebacker, racking up 123 tackles. He’s back. He’s the heart. But the secondary is where the real facelift happened.

• Devin Lafayette is back at the "Spear" position. He’s a hybrid who can hit like a linebacker but run like a safety.
• David Daniel-Sisavanh, the Georgia transfer, has locked down a starting safety spot.
• Jaquez White is the lockdown corner you need in a pass-heavy Sun Belt.

The defensive front lost some juice, but adding Elijah Davis from South Carolina to the edge was a massive win. He’s 264 pounds of "get to the quarterback."

The Realistic Two-Deep Look (Projected)

Offense

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• WR-X: RaRa Thomas (The Georgia transfer who needs a big year)
• WR-Z: Roman Mothershed
• LT: Trajon Townsend
• LG: Patrick Screws Jr.
• C: Tyler Cappi

Defense

• DE: Elijah Davis
• NT: Julian Peterson
• BAN: Jah-Mal Williams
• MLB: Jordan Stringer
• LCB: Jabari Strait

What People Get Wrong About This Roster

Most fans look at the 8-6 record from last year and think Troy took a step back. They didn't. They played Clemson tight. They won the West.

The misconception is that Troy is "rebuilding" because of the portal losses. In reality, Parker is "reloading" with Power Five talent that just wanted a chance to play. RaRa Thomas coming in from Georgia is a perfect example. He was a playmaker in the SEC; in the Sun Belt, he could be an All-American.

Also, don't sleep on the special teams. Evan Crenshaw is an All-American punter. In a league where field position is everything, having a guy who can flip the field is like having a cheat code.

Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season

If you're tracking the Troy football depth chart for betting or just because you bleed cardinal and silver, watch the first three weeks of spring practice.

1. Monitor the "Spear" battle: If Devin Lafayette moves back to a traditional safety role, it means the coaching staff found a younger, faster hybrid player they trust.
2. The Left Tackle spot: If Trajon Townsend holds off the younger transfers, the O-line chemistry will be lightyears ahead of where it was last September.
3. Adam Austin’s Tempo: Watch the spring game. If they’re snapping the ball with 20 seconds left on the play clock consistently, the depth chart will need to be deeper than ever to keep players fresh.

The reality is that Troy's success doesn't depend on one star. It depends on whether Goose Crowder's ribs and shoulders can survive the first month of the season. If they do, the Trojans aren't just a depth chart; they're a problem for the rest of the conference.