Southern Miss Golden Eagles Optimistic for 2024 Season
NEW ORLEANS, La. (WLOX) – As the Southern Miss Golden Eagles enter their third year in the Sun Belt Conference, they are determined to bounce back from a disappointing 3-9 season. At Sun Belt Media Days, there was a strong sense of optimism surrounding their recruiting classes and transfer portal additions.
On the second day of Media Days, Southern Miss provided a glimpse of what to expect in 2024. Head Coach Will Hall, wide receiver Ti Mims, and linebacker Jalil Clemons represented the Golden Eagles.
Last season was tough for Southern Miss, but they ended on a high note with consecutive wins over ULM and Louisiana. This year’s schedule remains challenging, featuring seven teams with winning records and 10 schools that played in bowl games last year.
As Hall enters his fourth year, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s recruitment and the gaps filled through transfers.
“We’ve built it to last, and we’ve done so over a period of time,” Hall stated. “We’ve recruited well and retained well. Going into year four, it’s time to start reaping the rewards of that. I’m excited to coach this team; I really am.”
A significant portion of the Golden Eagles roster consists of players from the Magnolia State, a strategic decision made four years ago.
“We don’t care if it’s a high school kid, a junior college kid, or a portal kid. We just want them to be from that area so we can know their past,” Hall explained. “We want to cater to that footprint, and we’ve stayed true to that since we arrived.”
Mims and Clemons are adjusting well to the new offensive and defensive coordinators, anticipating a successful 2024 season.
“I love the scheme; everybody loves the scheme. We believe this is a scheme where we can make plays and be ourselves,” Clemons said.
Mims added, “Coach Long wants to get the ball to all of his playmakers. He holds us to a higher standard, and that’s what we want from him.”
Replacing nearly a quarter of their total offense due to Frank Gore Jr.’s departure is a challenge, but there’s confidence in the quarterback position.
“One positive going into this offseason is that we’ll play a quarterback who has experience and has played at a high level,” Hall noted. “Ethan Crawford, who played in six games as a true freshman last year, returns. We’ve also added Tate Rodemaker, who played 23 games at Florida State. Regardless of who wins the battle, it will be someone with college football experience.”
The Golden Eagles will open the season against Kentucky, the last SEC team they defeated back in 2016. As they prepare for the upcoming season, Southern Miss aims to turn their optimism into on-field success.
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