Southern Miss, Forrest Extend Partnership with Jersey Patch Deal
Hattiesburg, Miss. — Southern Miss Athletics and Forrest, a regional health system, announced an extended partnership that includes the debut of a jersey patch during the 2026 football season, according to a news release.
The for life patch, which appeared on the Golden Eagles’ uniforms during their season opener against Alcorn State at Renasant Stadium, symbolizes Forrest’s commitment to caring for South Mississippi residents. This marks the first time Forrest has sponsored a jersey patch for Southern Miss Football, the release stated.
Southern Miss Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain said the partnership renewal aligns with the university’s efforts to create new opportunities in college athletics while supporting local organizations that share a commitment to the community.
Jeff Cook, president and CEO of Forrest, expressed pride in the longstanding relationship, which has spanned more than 25 years. He added that the for life patch serves as a visible reminder of Forrest’s dedication to South Mississippi and its people.
The partnership coincides with a new era for Southern Miss Football under head coach Blake Anderson. The Golden Eagles finished the 2025 season with a New Orleans Bowl appearance, and the jersey patch is expected to boost visibility during a pivotal season for the team.
Forrest has supported Southern Miss through various programs, including the Forrest Scholars initiative, which offers nursing students hands-on clinical experience and mentorship opportunities. The new jersey patch partnership builds on this history of collaboration supporting student-athletes and the broader Pine Belt community.
Southern Miss Sports Properties, part of Learfield, manages sponsorship agreements and multimedia rights for the university’s athletic programs. Forrest operates seven hospitals and numerous clinics across South Mississippi, focusing on accessible, compassionate care.
Founded in 1910, the University of Southern Mississippi is a Carnegie R1 research institution with more than 13,000 students. It offers a wide range of programs and is known for pioneering work in fields such as polymer science, ocean science, and cybersecurity. The university’s athletic teams, the Golden Eagles, compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports.
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