The Charles Huff era at Southern Miss is here. After a whirlwind offseason of staff changes, roster turnover and fresh energy around the program, the Golden Eagles are set to open a new chapter in 2025 with a schedule that offers both challenges and opportunities.
Here’s a game-by-game look at Southern Miss’ 2025 football schedule, with predictions for how year one under Huff might unfold:
Mississippi State at Southern Miss
When: Aug. 30, 2025, 11 a.m. CT
Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
This is one of the biggest openers in Southern Miss football history. Questions surround both programs, and the Bulldogs return to Hattiesburg for the first time since 2015. The game will be decided in the trenches. Southern Miss will need its offensive line to play its best game of the season in week one. It’s going to be too hard for them.
Pick: Mississippi State 24, Southern Miss 17
Record: 0-1, 0-0
Jackson State at Southern Miss
When: Sept. 6, 2025, 4 p.m. CT
Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
In just the fourth-ever meeting between the schools, Jackson State returns to Hattiesburg. The Tigers should be strong this season, but it’s hard to see them challenging the Golden Eagles at home.
Pick: Southern Miss 45, Jackson State 10
Record: 1-1, 0-0
Appalachian State at Southern Miss
When: Sept. 13, 2025, 6 p.m. CT
Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
This is a pivotal game for Southern Miss, one that could shape the season. The Golden Eagles have not started 2-1 since 2019. App State has a lot to replace, including its starting quarterback, and a new head coach. While Dowell Loggains may eventually find success, this roster likely won’t be ready by week three.
Pick: Southern Miss 27, App State 20
Record: 2-1, 1-0
Southern Miss at Louisiana Tech
When: Sept. 20, 2025, 6:30 p.m. CT
Where: Ruston, Louisiana
The toughest non-conference game outside of Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech returns much from last year and could make a deep run in C-USA. QB Evan Bullock threw for 2,100 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Expect a close game, but Braylon Braxton could make a late play for Southern Miss.
Pick: Southern Miss 31, Louisiana Tech 28
Record: 3-1, 1-0
Jacksonville State at Southern Miss
When: Sept. 27, 2025
Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
After last year’s loss, Southern Miss should handle business at home. Jacksonville State lost too much on both sides of the ball to make this competitive.
Pick: Southern Miss 38, Jacksonville State 10
Record: 4-1, 1-0
Southern Miss at Georgia Southern
When: Oct. 9, 2025
Where: Statesboro, Georgia
Southern Miss’ first trip to Statesboro comes against a strong Georgia Southern team. The Eagles beat Marshall last season but lost a close tiebreaker game. Expect a Thursday night primetime crowd and a tough challenge.
Pick: Georgia Southern 30, Southern Miss 16
Record: 4-2, 1-1
Southern Miss at Louisiana
When: Oct. 18, 2025
Where: Lafayette, Louisiana
This could be a key game in the West Division race. Southern Miss has improved, but Louisiana should win at home.
Pick: Louisiana 24, Southern Miss 13
Record: 4-3, 1-2
ULM at Southern Miss (Homecoming)
When: Oct. 25, 2025
Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Returning home after a long road stretch, Southern Miss hosts ULM for Homecoming. While ULM has improved, the Golden Eagles should dominate.
Pick: Southern Miss 42, ULM 17
Record: 5-3, 2-2
Southern Miss at Arkansas State
When: Nov. 8, 2025
Where: Jonesboro, Arkansas
By November, Southern Miss will be playing meaningful football. Braylon Braxton and the offensive line should be in top form. This could be close, but the home team may have the edge.
Pick: Arkansas State 31, Southern Miss 30
Record: 5-4, 2-3
Texas State at Southern Miss
When: Nov. 15, 2025
Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Southern Miss hosts Texas State as the Bobcats prepare to leave for the Pac-12. The Golden Eagles should win a competitive game, especially with a potential bowl berth on the line.
Pick: Southern Miss 28, Texas State 24
Record: 6-4, 3-3
Southern Miss at South Alabama
When: Nov. 22, 2025
Where: Mobile, Alabama
Southern Miss and South Alabama have played every year for the past five season. The Jaguars have won every one of them. The last two games weren’t even competitive with South Alabama winning 55-3 in 2023 and 35-14 in 2024. This is the season that Southern Miss finally beats them. They have a proven quarterback where South Alabama doesn’t.
Pick: Southern Miss 35, South Alabama 31
Record: 7-4, 4-3
Troy at Southern Miss
When: Nov. 29, 2025
Where: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Troy is coming off a disappointing season in 2024. The Trojans opened the year 1-7, but made a slight turnaround in the second half and finished 4-8. This season should be different. They signed the Sun Belt's top recruiting class and return 15 starters. This will be a great game, but I’ll give Southern Miss the nod since they are at home.
Pick: Southern Miss 27, Troy 24
Record: 8-4, 5-3
