Hampton University has found its steady hand at the helm of its football program.
Trenton Boykin, who served as interim head coach during the 2024 season, will take over the program fully and has a plan to transform it.
In a recent conversation on the “MEAC & More with Chris Stevens,” Boykin discussed his vision for the upcoming season and the challenges ahead.
“We’re still trying to put my footprint on this program,” he said. “From where we started last May to now, you do kind of see the kind of young men that we want to recruit here and what we want to establish here.”
He spoke on the opportunity to build on the momentum from last year and stressed the importance of preparation, hard work, and resilience. Boykin’s familiarity with the team and his experience within the conference are expected to be significant assets as the Pirates aim to climb the ranks in the CAA.
“I love how they fought… There was no finger-pointing, great attitude on the sideline, and poise,” he said about the team. “If we show poise and calmness, the players will show poise and calmness.”
Acknowledging how the college football landscape has evolved since his earlier head coaching days, Boykin highlighted changes such as the transfer portal and scholarship dynamics. He also pointed to critical areas of focus for improvement.
“Especially in this conference, your O-line and D-line — you have to keep growing in those areas. We were number one in rushing offense two years in a row, but we still say we could be better and deeper.”
Boykin draws inspiration from the culture he experienced playing football in the Midwest, aiming to replicate that regional pride locally.
“You always play harder for people you care about… Most of the guys we have grew up within a 100-mile radius. We want to build that same mentality here — Virginia and the DMV have the best high school football, we want to bring that attitude.”
Despite being picked to finish No. 11 in the preseason conference poll, Boykin is excited about Hampton’s future.
“Guys are excited where we’re going,” he said. “We will always take pride in running the football, but the talent we’re bringing in is different now, and it’s what we need to take it to the next tier.”