Southern Miss

Southern Miss enters 2026 with significant structural uncertainty after quarterback continuity issues and the departure of top receiver Tychaun Chapman (17.0 PPA) to Memphis, along with two other wideouts who also transferred to the Tigers. New head coach Blake Anderson inherits a program grading out at 101st nationally with particular struggles on offense (108th) and special teams (124th), though the defense ranks a more respectable 93rd. The Golden Eagles added 36 portal arrivals including defensive lineman Josh Johnson (16.0 PPA from Nicholls) and receiver Mario Sanders II (4.9 PPA from Illinois), but lost 22.1 PPA worth of production compared to just 12.7 added.

JP+ projects 5.3 wins for Southern Miss in their Sun Belt campaign, reflecting the fragile ecosystem created by offensive line instability, target-share losses, and defensive front attrition that accompanies coaching transitions. Road games at Auburn, Louisiana Tech, and Tulane represent the season's steepest climbs, while home contests against Louisiana and trips to ULM and Alcorn State offer the clearest paths to victories. If Anderson can quickly establish quarterback stability with Braylon Braxton and find adequate replacements across both lines, the Eagles could exceed modest expectations. If the continuity issues persist and the defensive front struggles to generate pressure, a long rebuilding year looms in Hattiesburg.