Troy quarterback Sawyer Smith announced via twitter on Tuesday evening that he has entered the transfer portal.

A quarterback room that once featured plenty of depth, lost an experienced arm on Tuesday. In his tweet, Smith thanked not only the Troy football program, but the university and Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr.

“First, I’d like to say thank you to Dr. Hawkins for making Troy a special place. I’d also like to say thank you to Trojan Nation for always being supportive and being the best fans! To Coach Lindsey, the staff, and all my brothers on the team, I just want to say I love y’all and thank y’all for always believing in me and having my back. With all this being said, I have decided, with my family, to transfer from Troy.”

Smith played in all 12 games for the Trojans last season and took over for injured quarterback Kaleb Barker after he injured his knee against Georgia State.

Smith got the start the following week against Liberty and the Trojans fell 22-16. Smith and the Trojans finished out the regular season 4-1 and earned a bit to the Dollar General Bowl in Mobile.

After battling with Barker last spring and fall for the starting quarterback position, Smith entered this spring once again battling for the starting roll. Smith got most of the starting reps in team drills this spring, while Barker spent most of his time practicing during 7-on-7 drills.

Following spring practice, Troy head coach Chip Lindsey did not name a starting quarterback heading into fall camp.
With Smith currently not on the roster, the Trojans will have quarterbacks Barker, Gunnar Watson, Jacob Free, Gavin Screws and Kade Young.