THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

ABOUT SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi operates 17 varsity sports within the Sun Belt Conference at the FBS level. Established in 1910, the institution serves 14,606 students and fields competitive programs across both men's and women's athletics. The Golden Eagles sponsor football and basketball alongside Olympic sports including cross country, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, soccer, and lacrosse.

Southern Mississippi's athletic foundation balances traditional revenue sports with a robust Olympic sports portfolio designed to serve its student-athlete population. The football program competes in the FBS Sun Belt Conference, while men's and women's basketball programs anchor the basketball offerings. The university maintains gender equity across its 17 varsity programs, with nine women's teams competing alongside eight men's teams, reflecting contemporary collegiate athletics standards.

The Golden Eagles' athletic infrastructure reflects the institution's commitment to both competitive excellence and broad-based student-athlete opportunity. From baseball and softball to swimming and diving programs, Southern Mississippi's varsity athletics encompass NCAA competition across multiple seasons and competitive levels within the Sun Belt Conference structure.