Troy University Athletics
Chip on His Shoulder: Peyton Higgins’ Battle from Undersized Receiver to Something Bigger
9/22/2025 10:00:00 AM | Football
TROY, Ala. – Faith. Trust. And a chip on his shoulder.
These are three things that have defined Peyton Higgins' football career.
Growing up in Florence, Alabama, football wasn't just something he played — it was woven into the very fabric of his family. His father, Darrell, was his coach at Mars Hill Bible School, a program that transformed from a struggling startup to a state powerhouse during Peyton's years there.
We never really butt heads, Higgins said. He's like one of my best friends, really. He'll probably be the best man in my wedding. He's just awesome.
It's not every football player who describes his head coach in those terms, but for the Higgins family, trust runs deep.
Before the Higgins family arrived, Mars Hill's football program had barely found its footing,recording back-to-back 1-9 seasons. However, the Higgins family stepped in and turned the program around. They won state championships in Peyton's sophomore and senior years and finished runner-up his junior season.
It was awesome to kind of be a part of that building process with him, Higgins said. When he told me we were moving, I was really mad at him. I didn't want to go. But I had to trust him, and that just grew our relationship even closer. Him being my coach, me trusting him, him motivating me when I had a bad game… it was just special.
By the time he graduated, Higgins had etched his name into Alabama high school football history. He finished with 100 career touchdowns and nearly 9,000 all-purpose yards. He set state records with nine career kickoff returns for touchdowns and once took five to the house in a single season.
He was named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association Super All-State Team and selected as the 2A Back of the Year. However, the experience means more than the accolades.
Just seeing where Mars Hill was before and then being part of taking it to championships — it showed me what it means to rebuild, to trust the process, and to lead, he said.
That lesson would serve him well at Troy. As a member of Troy's Football Leadership Council, Higgins has grown into more than just a reliable slot receiver. He sees himself as a bridge between veterans and younger players, drawing on lessons from Mars Hill's transformation to help Troy stay on the rise.
I've carried those lessons over, Higgins said. Being part of a program that had to rebuild, that had to grow — it showed me how important leadership is. Now I just try to influence the younger guys, keep us moving in the right direction. I think we're headed there.
For Higgins, his senior season isn't just about catches or yards. It's about savoring every moment: the locker room jokes, the grind of practice, the nights under the lights at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
I'm trying not to just focus on the games, he said. I want to enjoy the whole journey — the practices, the time with my teammates, everything that comes with it.
Even though Higgins is now several hours away from Florence, his connection to family hasn't wavered. His dad still checks in almost daily, usually over the phone, and rarely misses a game.
He'll fly out right after his own game on Friday night if he has to, Higgins said. If it's in Troy, he'll drive all the way back that same night. My whole family comes to the games. They're very supportive, and they're very excited for my senior year.
As the undersized wide receiver steps on the field, he has a chip on his shoulder, especially after Coach Parker thought he might have been a kicker.
When I first met Coach Parker, he thought I was a kicker, Higgins recalled with a laugh. That made me really mad, and it just fueled me even more. I've always had people doubt me because of my size, but that just pushes me to work harder.
At the end of the day, he's not worried about doubters. He's savoring every moment and chasing something bigger.
More than anything, Higgins said, I just want to win for Troy.
