Expectations are at an all-time high for the Anderson Trojans in 2026. Entering year three of football in Anderson, the program has improved each season but observers hope the program hasn’t reached its full potential.
The Trojans went 3-8 in the inaugural 2024 campaign, followed by a respectable 5-6 record last year. Through one early game, things already look promising as Anderson opened its season on Aug. 27 with a tighter than it looked 20-3 loss to Division I foe Furman, a school AU coach Bobby Lamb quarterbacked to a national championship in 1988.
The biggest jump from 2024 was success in conference play. Two years ago, Anderson was 1-7 in the South Atlantic Conference and was outscored by 126 points. Last season, the Trojans improved to 3-6 in the SAC and were outscored by just 32 points.
The strong showing influenced SAC preseason poll voters to place Anderson seventh in the conference to open the season.
2025 was much improved, but this year’s Trojans’ roster is very different from the one that marched out last August. Notably, two-year starting quarterback Tyler Wesley has graduated. Wesley helped Anderson get off the ground in 2024 and vastly improved year after year. In his absence, Senior Logan Landers, Junior Seth Smith and Redshirt Junior Wilson Edwards will battle it out for the QB1 spot.
Landers transferred from West Virginia Wesleyan this offseason after a middling career. He played in just eight games over his two seasons with the Bobcats. Landers recorded 991 yards for eight touchdowns but also threw seven interceptions.
Smith transferred from Valdosta State after completing just 21 passes over his last three seasons. He didn’t record a single snap in 2025.
Edwards, who began the season as the starter against Furman, has limited collegiate experience. He completed 34 passes in 66 attempts for 508 yards, three touchdowns and an interception across six games last season. He completed 19 of 31 passes for 154 yards in his season debut.
The team is littered with offensive weapons for whoever retains the quarterback position. A crucial offensive piece is Redshirt Junior wide receiver Kenneth Brown. The tri-sport high school athlete caught 44 passes for 789 yards and five touchdowns over his first two seasons in Anderson but will need to step up this year.
Anderson’s 2025 leading receiver Jalon Warthen-Carr and top tight end Jonathan Bowden both graduated, leaving a gaping hole in production that must be replaced.
Zaidon Gunn is a Redshirt Junior running back who could carve out a large role this season. He rushed 63 times for 191 yards over his first two seasons and should take over as the main back. Leading rusher from 2025, Bryson James, hit the transfer portal, leaving Gunn as the most experienced rusher remaining.
Redshirt Junior Chase Brightharp is one of six Trojans on the SAC preseason watch list. The outside linebacker racked up 40 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks, two pass blocks, and one forced fumble last season. Brightharp played in 10 games as a freshman in 2024 and compiled 20 tackles and three tackles for loss.
Despite plenty of new faces, the Trojans are primed to improve once again under Lamb. With all excuses of being a new program out the window, Anderson has all the pieces needed for success in 2026.