The Sun Belt Conference is working tirelessly to establish itself as one of the best Group of Five conferences in the country, a distinction that grows more important with expansion of the College Football Playoff.

Sep 14, 2024; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers quarterback Joey Aguilar (4) reacts after the touchdown against the East Carolina Pirates during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images / James Guillory-Imagn Images

Troy wide receiver Devonte Ross on Monday was named Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week. Ross, a sophomore from Cartersville, Ga., returned a punt 77 yards for a touchdown and had 219 all-purpose yards in a 38-21 loss at Iowa on Saturday. It was the Trojans’ first punt return for a score since 2018.