Troy’s defensive roster took another hit this week, as safety Keyshawn Swanson announced plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

Swanson, who has one season of eligibility remaining, started six of 13 games for the Trojans in 2023 while splitting time with senior Irshaad Davis. He totaled 47 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass break up as Troy went 11-3 and won its second consecutive Sun Belt Conference championship.

Swanson announced his plans on Wednesday, a day after the Trojans began their first spring practice under new coach Gerad Parker.

Along with linebackers Terry Thomas and Jordan Stringer, Swanson was one of just three defensive players with extensive starting experience back this spring for the Trojans. Ten full- or part-time starters either graduated or entered the NCAA transfer portal following the departure of head coach Jon Sumrall to Tulane.

Meeting with reporters Monday to preview spring practice, new Troy defensive coordinator Dontae Wright had praised Swanson’s approach to the team’s offseason program.

“Keyshawn has been a tremendous leader to this point,” Wright said. “He’s been a great worker. … He’s led by example; he’s led by his words. He’s held this group together and shown them how to practice and prepare like champions.”

A Pensacola, Fla., native, Swanson began his career at Akron before transferring to Troy prior to the 2020 season. He sat out that season under NCAA transfer rules in place at the time, then played in a total of 39 games with the Trojans from 2021-23.

The NCAA transfer portal re-opens for 15 days beginning April 15. However, as a graduate transfer, Swanson can go into the portal at any time.