Southern Miss finished the season 7-6, but the real work is only beginning. With the transfer portal opening Jan. 2, Blake Anderson now faces the biggest challenge of his tenure — keeping key contributors, filling major roster holes and building toward 2026.
We’ll track every departure and addition here as Anderson and his staff work to stabilize the roster, reload key positions and capitalize on the momentum from Year 1.
Who’s out
Corey Myrick, S
Myrick recorded 91 tackles (47 solo) in 2025, with two interceptions and 44 assists.
Garrick Ponder, LB
Ponder started the New Orleans Bowl and finished with 44 tackles, 16 solo and 3.5 sacks.
Dylan King, S
King appeared in 11 games, totaling 27 tackles, including 15 solo.
Jacobe Robinson, QB
The Boston College transfer saw limited action, rushing for 41 yards on four attempts and not attempting a pass.
Jackson Klein, DL
Klein, a redshirt freshman, did not see game action.
Jaylin Carter, RB
Carter played in nine games, rushing for 175 yards on 38 carries with two touchdowns.
Carlos Slayden, OL
Slayden played significant snaps up front after transferring from Troy.
Chris Jones, LB
Jones led the Sun Belt with 133 tackles and added 3.5 sacks — a major loss for Southern Miss.
JJ Hawkins, DE (Draft)
Hawkins appeared in all 13 games for Southern Miss, totaling 21 tackles including three sacks and an interception in the New Orleans bowl.
J'Mond Tapp, DL
The former Texas and Arizona State transfer posted 12 TFLs and 7.5 sacks this season.
Denzel Gardner, QB
Gardner saw no playing time for Southern Miss in 2025
Jaden McKinney, DL
McKinney totaled 27 tackles including seven solo tackles in 2025 for Southern Miss. He appeared in all 13 games for the Golden Eagles.
Hayes Creel, OL
Creel has seen over 900 snaps in 2025 and played all 13 games for Southern Miss this season. Hayes has started 33 consecutive games and totaled 2,209 career snaps.
Jonathan Pennix, CB
Pennix registered two interceptions for Southern Miss in 2025, along with 20 tackles and six pbu's. He's listed as a 77.7 PFF on 404 snaps with Southern Miss.
Ian Foster, SAF
Foster started all thirteen games for Southern Miss and was fourth on the team in tackles with 76 tackles and 30 solo tackles. Foster was also second on the team in interceptions with three.
Michael Montgomery, LB
Like Jones, Michael Montgomery was a 100+ tackler for Southern Miss including 30 solo tackles. Montgomery had three sacs and started all 13 games for Southern Miss in 2025. He also added two interceptions to his total.
Tychaun Chapman, WR
Chapman was third on the team in receiving yards with 448 and three touchdowns. He appeared in every game for Southern Miss during 2025. Was seen as one of the only skill players to potential return in 2026 due to all the other wide receivers being seniors.
Ahmere Foster, SAFj
Foster has 112 career tackles with 2.0 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and four interceptions
Zach Ruffin, LB
Ruffin a freshman saw little to no playing time for Southern Miss during 2025
Shane King, TE
King, a freshman tight end sa little to no playing time for Southern Miss during 2025
Who's In / Staying
Mason Clinton, DL
Clinton appeared in 12 games for Southern Miss and finished with 16 tackles, including 1.5 sacks.
The transfer portal opens Jan. 2.
