Clemson Opponents Preview

CLEMSON – After their home-opener against LSU, the Clemson Tigers stick around for another game at Memorial Stadium in Week 2, as Troy visits Death Valley for the first time since 2016.

The Trojans, led by second-year head coach Gerad Parker, look to improve on the 2024 season. Parker helped the school produce the first 1,000-yard rushing and receiving duo in over a decade, despite a 4-8 finish. Nonetheless, three wins came in the last four weeks of the year, giving Troy something to build off.

OFFENSE

After the departure of their leading passer, the Trojans are expected to have junior quarterback Goose Crowder take the offense’s lead this upcoming season. An upper-body injury sidelined Crowder for a good chunk of his sophomore season, so he gets the chance to bounce back and be the man for Troy. The Trojans’ 1,000-yard rusher, Damien Taylor, departed to Ole Miss, leaving Tae Meadows and Jordan Lovett to lead the ground game alongside seniors Jarris Williams and Trey Cooley.

Peyton Woods is the leader of the receiving core after 1,000-yard receiver, Devonte Ross, transferred out. Alongside Woods are freshmen Jywon Boyd and Roman Mothershed. Troy also gains the additions of Kristian Tate (Delaware State) and Tray Taylor (Coastal Carolina) from the transfer portal, who are both solid receivers that will provide good skill and depth. For the tight ends, senior Ethan Connor will lead the room alongside senior Trae Swartz.

The offensive line needed work, and the transfer portal has been an enormous help. Tackle Elijah Prather and guard Eli Russ welcomed the addition of center Vysen Long from Tennessee, whose 6-foot-4, 330-pound frame will make a huge difference. Additionally, the Trojans added lineman Patrick Screws Jr. (Georgia Tech) and Garner Langlo (App State/Auburn).

DEFENSE

Senior defensive end Elijah Davis transferred from South Carolina, which the defense needed. Alongside defensive tackles Kam Curry and Julian Peterson, who are returning from last year, are the talents of defensive ends Luis Medina, a skilled and powerful edge rusher, and transfer DJ Jackson Jr. (Coffeyville CC).

Jordan Stringer, a top Sun Belt linebacker, is back for his senior year to lead the defense. He is accompanied by fellow senior Steven Cattledge, creating a deadly combination at the second level.

As for the secondary, adding Georgia transfer David Daniel-Sisavahn and the retention of veteran Justin Powe will lock down the safety positions. Kaleno Levine joins the Trojans after putting up a 50-tackle and six PBU season at Missouri State. Levine’s talents will be greatly appreciated amongst the cornerback room, which includes junior Jaquez White and senior Trent Henry.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Scott Taylor Renfroe returns for his senior year after making 11 of 13 field goals last year, with most of them being 30-plus yards. Punter Evan Crenshaw returns for his junior year, as he averaged 41.5 yards per punt in 2024.

OVERVIEW

A lot of work has been done with the Trojans this offseason, and even more work will need to be done before they head to Clemson. However, despite their massive departures of key players and top performers, Troy has the leadership and the assets to build something great.

Many new starters on all sides of the field will be figuring out their roles, getting into the swing of things, and building upon their foundations. They might not have enough time to do that before being in the thick of it. Regardless, Clemson will look to be on its A-game.

The Troy Trojans travel to face the Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 3:30 p.m., at Memorial Stadium.

—photo by Chris Day / USA TODAY NETWORK