Exactly one year ago, on Oct. 20, 2024, I had just sat down to eat dinner with my then-fiancée’s family at Outback Steakhouse.
As the waiter delivered my sweet tea, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. Knowing that an important notification could come at any time that day, I checked my phone — and it was a text from one of my sources.
Team meeting called. It’s happening tonight.
I texted back: Will school announce today?
Yes, later this evening.
I stepped outside, called my editor, and asked if we should finally publish the story that’s always pre-written but one you never expect to post.
The headline read: "Will Hall out as Southern Miss head coach, effective immediately."
The announcement started a two-month search for a new head coach that ultimately landed one of the more surprising hires in modern college football.
On Dec. 8, 2024, I found myself in a similar situation. This time, the headline read: "Charles Huff announced as next head coach of Southern Miss football."
Fast-forward to today, and Huff has completely turned around the Golden Eagle football program.
It’s hard to overstate just how low things got last year.
Hall’s firing wasn’t just the end of a tenure — it was the collapse of an identity. Injuries piled up, the offense sputtered, and the sideline looked defeated. At homecoming against Arkansas State, fans chanted “Fire Will Hall” during yet another loss.
Southern Miss finished last in the Sun Belt in offense and ranked 131st out of 134 FBS programs, averaging just 283.5 yards per game. Defensively, the Eagles were second-to-last in the league and 122nd nationally, allowing 449.2 yards per game.
The numbers were brutal — multiple double-digit losses, no offensive rhythm, and a locker room that looked like it had simply given up.
For longtime fans, that stretch felt like the final chapter in a slow, painful drift away from what Southern Miss football used to be: physical, fearless and proud.
Then came Huff.
From his first press conference, Huff brought something Southern Miss desperately needed — life. He didn’t talk about rebuilding or patience; he talked about expectations and standards. He demanded accountability from players and coaches alike, and the tone shifted almost overnight.
“People will stop scheduling Southern Miss — period,” Huff said at his first press conference.
He didn’t shy away from how tough the transition would be. He embraced it.
“It’s not going to be easy. This is going to be the toughest transition anyone connected to this university has ever been through,” Huff said. “Our traditions are going to be challenged. The way we’ve always done things is going to be challenged — not forgotten, not removed, but adjusted.
“It’s going to be the hardest thing we’ve ever been a part of, but I can guarantee you it will be the most rewarding, most gratifying moment we’ve ever experienced when we hoist that trophy in The Rock.”
Now halfway into the season, Southern Miss is in prime position to win the Sun Belt West. It would be truly an unprecedented feat if Huff were able to pull it off.
This season, Southern Miss ranks fifth in total offense in the Sun Belt and 67th nationally with 390.9 yards per game. The turnover margin is the best in the league, and the Eagles have already surpassed the last two years’ win total combined with five games still to play.
On defense, Southern Miss ranks seventh in the Sun Belt and 97th nationally.
I don’t want to go through all the details — I’ll save those for a later story — but halfway through the season, what Huff has done is nothing short of incredible.
One year ago today, the future of the program was very much in question.
Today, it’s an example of what great leadership can do in 12 months.
That doesn’t mean everything is fixed. The offense still has its lapses, the secondary still gives up the occasional big play, and Huff will tell you himself the program isn’t where he wants it yet.
But the foundation is finally strong again. And he has delivered on his promise that he gave the fans on day one.
“I didn’t come here to play,” Huff said. “I came here to win. And we will win.”
Let’s jump over to high school football now. It’s nearing the end of October, and playoff football is right around the corner.
The playoff races across the Pine Belt are heating up as the regular season nears its end. Six local teams have already secured postseason spots, while several others face must-win stretches over the next two weeks.
Petal can clinch in Region 3-7A with a win Friday, while Oak Grove looks to stay in the top-two mix. In 6A, both Hattiesburg and West Jones are locked in and will likely play for the region title next week.
Brookhaven leads a crowded 5A race that leaves Sumrall needing to win out, while Purvis remains in control in Region 4-5A. Pass Christian has wrapped up the 4A crown, with Forrest County AHS a win away from joining the field.
In the lower classifications, North Forrest and Lumberton have both clinched berths. Sacred Heart and PCS remain in contention, while Richton has secured its spot and Resurrection has been eliminated.
The next two Fridays will determine seeding — and who’s in come November.
Let’s have a great week. I’ll see you out there.
