Trey Holly Returns to Southern University to Play Under Marshall Faulk

Trey Holly, one of Southern University’s standout players last season, has chosen to return for another year with the Jaguars. Holly announced his decision on Wednesday via his X account, signaling his commitment to “run it back” despite a challenging 2025 campaign.

Southern struggled throughout the season, finishing 2-10 with victories over Mississippi Valley State and Grambling in the Bayou Classic. The team’s inconsistency, compounded by tough conference and non-conference losses, ultimately led to the mid-season dismissal of head coach Terrence Graves.

Despite the overall disappointing results, Holly emerged as a key bright spot for the Jaguars. He totaled 798 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, often serving as the focal point of Southern’s offense and a spark for the team’s limited successes.

With Hall-of-Fame running back Marshall Faulk joining the program, Holly’s decision to return offers an opportunity to refine his skills under one of football’s all-time greats, potentially elevating both his performance and Southern’s prospects in 2026.

1. Holly’s Performance and Potential

Holly’s 2025 season featured several highlights, including an electrifying 80-yard touchdown run against North Carolina Central in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge. That play underscored his elite speed, vision, and playmaking ability—traits that initially earned him Power Five attention out of high school and a spot at LSU before landing at Southern. Beyond the statistics, Holly’s consistency provided stability for a team in flux. He often carried a heavy workload and delivered in high-pressure situations, demonstrating both resilience and leadership despite a struggling supporting cast. Southern’s rushing attack leaned heavily on Holly’s skill set, making him the central figure of their offense. His ability to make defenders miss in open space and break long runs remains a major asset for the program moving forward. Holly’s performance also kept him on the radar for potential professional opportunities, giving Southern a valuable veteran presence and a player around whom the team can build its offensive identity.

2. Marshall Faulk’s Impact on Southern

The addition of Marshall Faulk to Southern’s coaching staff represents a significant development for the program. Faulk’s experience as a Hall-of-Fame running back and his understanding of high-level football provide Holly with a unique opportunity to enhance his technique and football IQ. Faulk’s coaching can help Holly improve in areas such as vision, footwork, pass protection, and decision-making—skills that are crucial for making the jump to the next level. Having a mentor with such a distinguished career can also boost morale and attract other talented recruits. For Southern, retaining a player of Holly’s caliber is vital to stabilizing the program after a disappointing season. Faulk’s guidance, combined with Holly’s talent, could be a catalyst for a turnaround, providing both immediate production on the field and long-term development for the team’s backfield. Holly’s commitment signals optimism for the upcoming season, as Southern looks to leverage both his talent and Faulk’s expertise to compete more effectively within the conference and beyond.

3. Looking Ahead for Southern

Southern University enters the 2026 season with a renewed focus on development and consistency. Holly’s return offers a cornerstone for the offense, particularly as the program integrates Faulk’s coaching philosophy and experience. The Jaguars’ front office and coaching staff now have the opportunity to surround Holly with complementary pieces, whether through recruiting or player development, to maximize his effectiveness and address gaps that hindered the team last season. While challenges remain, the combination of Holly’s skill, leadership, and Faulk’s mentorship could shift Southern from a struggling program to a competitive force in its conference. Success this season could also increase visibility for the school and attract further talent. With Holly back in the fold and Faulk on the sidelines, Southern University hopes the 2026 season will reflect growth, resilience, and a much-improved record.