Southern Miss Football Holds First Fall Practice Under New Coach Blake Anderson

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — The University of Southern Mississippi football team held its first official fall practice Tuesday morning under first-year head coach Blake Anderson. The session took place at the Joe P. Park Practice Facility under sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 80s.

Anderson credited summer organized team activities for helping the team make significant progress ahead of fall camp. “The ability just to get your hands on them during the summer is helpful,” he said. “We didn’t do a ton, but they were good. And you can see today, we were able to get a lot done and build off those OTAs.”

The team practiced in shorts and helmets for just over two hours, with Anderson noting that the team was able to pick up where they left off and avoid starting from scratch. He highlighted the importance of extra reps and depth, especially with over 70 new players on the roster for 2026.

Anderson emphasized team culture, saying, “We talk very clearly about being selfless, tough and accountable. That’s what I want to see in our DNA every day. Low ego, high energy, work capacity — and I’m seeing those things. We haven’t arrived, but we’re moving in the right direction.”

One player Anderson singled out was transfer receiver Jaylen Himes, a sophomore from Wingate College and a native of Statesville, North Carolina. Anderson praised Himes’ quick adaptation, saying, “He can play and there’s no doubt we need him to have a great year. He’s a surprise. He just picked up and played ball. If he stays healthy, everyone in our league will know who he is.”

The Golden Eagles will hold their second fall practice Wednesday before opening the season Sept. 5 against Alcorn State. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tickets and season plans are available online at SouthernMiss.com/Tickets.

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