Missouri transfer Taylor Powell named starting quarterback at Troy

Missouri transfer quarterback Taylor Powell was named the starter at Troy, according to the Trojans’ Twitter account. The Fayetteville, Arkansas, native graduated from Missouri with a degree in psychology last year. He saw limited action as a freshman and sophomore and did not play at all as a junior.

Powell impressively beat out last year’s starter Gunnar Watson. He will lead the offense when Troy opens its season on Sept. 4 against Southern.

“Both guys competed extremely hard and both of them improved a great deal,” Trojans coach Chip Lindsey told AL.com. “Anytime you have competition like that, it makes everyone better. This year we’re going into the season with the luxury of having two guys that have played college football and that’s always a plus. At the end of the day, it’s a competition and we have to go with one guy. We feel like Taylor is going to give us the best opportunity to win as a football team.”

Powell played in 12 games over his two seasons with the Tigers. He started only once and compiled stats of 431 yards and a touchdown on 35-of-76 passing in his career. The former 3-star prospect won Mr. Football for the state of Arkansas in high school. He chose Missouri over offers from Memphis, Washington State, Coastal Carolina and others.

Kelly is entering his third season at the helm with Troy. He has failed to finish above .500 in his first two after Neal Brown, the current coach at West Virginia, led them to three straight 10-win seasons and bowl victories.

With a former SEC quarterback leading the way, the Trojans will attempt to get back on the winning track. Their only matchup against a Power 5 opponents comes on Oct. 2 when they face the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Fans in Missouri will certainly want to tune in to a few Troy games to watch Taylor Powell if they are able in 2021.