TROY — Troy University won its first undisputed Sun Belt championship since 2009, beating Coastal Carolina 45-26 in Saturday’s conference title game. Troy is led by first-year head coach Jon Sumrall, a Huntsville native and 2001 graduate of Grissom High School.
The Trojans notched an 11-2 record this year and accepted a bid to the Duluth Trading Cure Bowl at Exploria Stadium in Orlando on Dec. 16. They will play No. 22 Texas-San Antonio.
This was the first season Troy won more than five games since 2018.
In today’s college football landscape, Sumrall could find himself on the short list for multiple head coaching vacancies in the coming years. He’s gained a reputation in his career as an effective recruiter and assistant coach who easily connects with players.
The Huntsvillian joined Mark Stoops’ coaching staff at Kentucky in 2019 and has been considered for several coordinator jobs in the years since. He served as co-defensive coordinator last year for the Wildcats before taking the top job at Troy.
Sumrall played linebacker for Kentucky under coach Rich Brooks and led the team in tackles in 2004. He suffered a career-ending stinger during spring practice before the 2005 season.
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