The Southern Miss Golden Eagles have built a rich tradition of excellence in collegiate sports. Both Southern Miss Golden Eagles football and Southern Miss Golden Eagles basketball have earned national respect through championship wins and consistent performance. The team’s long and proud history showcases determination, teamwork, and success across multiple generations of athletes.
College Sports Established
1910
Location
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
College Name
University of Southern Mississippi
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1922 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2022 - Present / Sun Belt Conference
1995 - 2022 / C-USA Conference
1948 - 1952 / Gulf States Conference
1928 - 1941 / Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
1912 - 1928, 1942 - 1947, 1952 - 1995 / Independent
Nickname
Golden Eagles - The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are one of the most recognizable NCAA teams in the country. Their nickname had existed since 1927 when they were first established as a college football team. But where did this iconic moniker come from?
Southern Miss Golden Eagles Origin
The origin story begins with former head coach Ralph “Pop” Southerland, who was instrumental in bringing success to the program during its early years. He wanted his players to be seen as courageous on the field, so he chose an eagle as their mascot – a symbol of strength and power that dates back centuries.
To further emphasize these qualities, Pop added “Golden” to signify excellence and victory over all opponents – thus creating what we now know today as The Southern Miss Golden Eagles!
As part of their tradition-filled history, fans have become accustomed to seeing golden Eagles soar through each home game at M.M Roberts Stadium while cheering on their beloved team every step of the way! From tailgates before kickoff until after the final whistle blows - you can always count on diehard supporters showing up for some good ol' fashioned southern hospitality - no matter how big or small wins may be along the season's path!
Whether it's celebrating championships or just enjoying Saturday games under the sunniest skies imaginable, nothing quite compares the experience of cheering your favorite squad to being surrounded by fellow passionate fans - all rooting for the exact cause: To show the world why our love affair with sports never fades away here South Mississippi... Goooooooo, GOLDEN EAGLES!!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1972
- 1988
- 1991
- 1994
-
Golden Eagles Name Selection
The school’s earliest nickname was Tigers. Thereafter came such nicknames as Normalites (from Mississippi Normal College, the early name of the university), Yellow Jackets, Confederates, and Southerners. Golden Eagles was selected in a student/alumni vote in the early 1972. Seymour d’Campus is the name of the modern-day mascot eagle. -
Coach Curley Hallman
Curley Hallman came to Southern Miss from his post as defensive backs coach at Texas A&M. Hallman’s .676 winning percentage at USM is the highest of any coach in Southern Miss football history. Hallman coached future NFL star quarterback Brett Favre during his tenure at USM. Hallman’s record at Southern Miss is 23–11 in three seasons. Hallman departed after the ... -
NCAA Tournament Scoring record
Southern Miss Golden Eagles have appeared in three NCAA tournaments. They have an overall 0–3 record in tournament games. Darrin Chancellor holds the Southern Miss single-tournament scoring record with 24 points in 1991. -
Southern Miss Lady Eagles basketball
The Lady Eagles also have a storied history. With 10 postseason appearances, the women’s program is the most proficient at Southern Miss. In those 10 appearances, they have made the NCAA Tournament 8 times advancing to the Sweet 16 in 1994. The team has had two All-Americans including Janice Felder in 1994.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles History
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles have built one of the most respected athletic traditions in college sports. Competing in NCAA Division I, the university has earned recognition for its excellence in both Southern Miss Golden Eagles football and Southern Miss Golden Eagles basketball. Known for their passionate rivalry with the South Alabama Jaguars, the Golden Eagles have established a legacy filled with championships, legendary athletes, and unforgettable moments.
Founded in 1912 as Mississippi Normal College, Southern Miss began developing its athletic programs shortly after its establishment. The university’s teams first competed under nicknames like the “Normalites” and “Teachers,” before officially becoming the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in 1972—a title that reflects the school’s fighting spirit and pride. The program’s mascot, Seymour d’Campus, symbolizes the energy and resilience that define the university’s athletic identity.
Throughout its long history, Southern Miss Golden Eagles football has been a powerhouse in the South. The football program officially started in 1912 and gradually rose to national prominence. Legendary players like Brett Favre brought widespread attention to the team, while the program has claimed multiple conference titles and bowl appearances. Over the decades, Southern Miss has produced several NFL stars, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most competitive programs in the Sun Belt Conference and formerly in Conference USA.
Golden Eagles Achievements
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles basketball program has also played a crucial role in the school’s success. Both men’s and women’s teams have achieved significant milestones. The men’s basketball team has reached the NCAA Tournament multiple times, including two memorable runs to the NIT Final Four. The women’s basketball team has also made several NCAA Tournament appearances and reached the Elite Eight on multiple occasions, showcasing the strength and consistency of the Golden Eagles on the national stage.
Beyond football and basketball, Southern Miss has excelled in other sports, earning more than 30 national and conference championships across baseball, track, and softball. The university’s baseball program, in particular, has been a consistent NCAA Tournament contender, regularly ranking among the nation’s top programs. The Golden Eagles’ success extends beyond championships—it represents a tradition of perseverance, teamwork, and community pride.
Many Southern Miss Golden Eagles athletes have gone on to achieve greatness in professional sports and international competitions. Notable alumni include NFL legend Brett Favre, NBA star Clarence Weatherspoon, and MLB standout Brian Dozier. These athletes exemplify the university’s commitment to developing talent that thrives both on and off the field.
Today, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles football and Southern Miss Golden Eagles basketball programs continue to carry the university’s proud legacy forward. Whether competing in the Sun Belt Conference or representing the school on national broadcasts, Southern Miss remains a symbol of excellence and determination. With every season, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles reaffirm their place among the most storied and respected programs in NCAA history.
Sports Fan Products
