Mississippi native Joe Rounds returns home to play final college season at Southern Miss

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Joe Rounds, an offensive lineman from Mississippi, has returned to his home state to finish his college football career at the University of Southern Mississippi. Rounds, a 6-foot, 315-pound native of Grenada, transferred from Virginia Union University earlier this year.

Rounds spent seven years in college, completing high school and four seasons at VUU. His mother, Krasinda Barton, moved back to Mississippi after accepting a job there, prompting Rounds to seek a transfer. He said the move was a personal goal rooted in his desire to return home.

“I was born in Mississippi,” Rounds told SouthernMiss.com. “My mom got a job back here, and I wanted to do my part to come back.” After redshirting his first year and starting three seasons at VUU, Rounds felt ready for a new challenge at the NCAA Division I level. He entered the transfer portal following his redshirt junior year.

Rounds praised the experience at Southern Miss, noting the increased competition and resources. “Playing D-I ball is showing me everything I wanted to see,” he said. “It’s been a blessing to get better every day.”

Southern Miss offensive line coach Sean Coughlin highlighted Rounds’ work ethic and physical attributes. “He’s done a great job competing,” Coughlin said. “He has good length, plays hard, and is very attentive in meetings.” Coughlin added he expects Rounds to continue developing into a key player for the team.

During his time at VUU, Rounds helped lead the Panthers to back-to-back conference championships in 2023 and 2024. The team made the NCAA Division II playoffs both years, earning their first postseason victories before falling in the quarterfinals in 2025.

“We had some success at Virginia Union, winning back-to-back championships and making it to the Elite Eight,” Rounds said. “It was a great experience, but now I’m excited for this last year at Southern Miss. I wish I had more eligibility, but I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

Rounds is set to debut for the Golden Eagles on Sept. 5 against Alcorn State. His mother plans to travel from northwest Mississippi to watch him play that day, Rounds said.

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