Southern Miss Football Holds Annual Spring Game

Fans get first look at new-look Golden Eagles squad ahead of 2026 season

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:16pm

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An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting a college football game, with the players and field represented as fragmented, geometric shapes in the official colors of the teams involved.The annual Southern Miss spring game offers a first look at the team's new-look roster and coaching strategies as they aim to rebound in 2026.New Orleans Today

The University of Southern Mississippi football team held its annual spring game on Saturday, giving fans a preview of the 2026 squad. Head coach Blake Anderson and his staff used the intrasquad scrimmage to evaluate talent and experiment with different lineups as the Golden Eagles look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign that ended with a loss in the New Orleans Bowl.

Why it matters

Southern Miss is a perennial contender in Conference USA, but the team struggled to a 6-7 record last season. The spring game provides an important early look at the program's direction under Anderson's leadership and the development of key players as the Golden Eagles aim to return to the top of the league standings.

The details

The spring game featured the first-team offense going up against the first-team defense, as well as rotations of the second- and third-string units. Sophomore quarterback Zach Wilcox had an impressive outing, connecting on several deep passes and showcasing his dual-threat ability. On the defensive side, senior linebacker Malik Davis made his presence felt with a handful of hard-hitting tackles.

  • The spring game took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Southern Miss will open the 2026 season on September 5 against in-state rival Mississippi State.

The players

Blake Anderson

The head coach of the Southern Miss football team, entering his fifth season at the helm.

Zach Wilcox

The sophomore quarterback for the Golden Eagles, looking to build on a promising freshman campaign.

Malik Davis

The senior linebacker for Southern Miss, a key leader on the defensive side of the ball.

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What they’re saying

“I was really pleased with the energy and effort our guys brought today. We've got a lot of work to do, but this was a good first step as we look to get back to the top of our conference.”

— Blake Anderson, Head Coach

What’s next

The Golden Eagles will continue spring practice over the next few weeks, leading up to the team's annual spring game on April 18. Anderson and his staff will use the remaining sessions to further evaluate the roster and make decisions on depth chart positioning ahead of the start of fall camp in August.

The takeaway

Southern Miss is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season, and the annual spring game provided an early glimpse of the team's potential. With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, the Golden Eagles are poised to make a push back towards the top of Conference USA in 2026.