University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Blake Anderson and the Golden Eagles Open 2026 Spring Practice
3/24/2026 6:47:00 PM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- The Southern Miss football team took to the Joe P. Park Practice Field on Tuesday afternoon for the first day of spring practice.Â
While it was the first day of preparations for the 2026 season, it was also first-year head coach Blake Anderson's birthday. It was fittingly celebrated with a rendition of "Happy Birthday"Â at the end of practice.Â
The Golden Eagles opened practice with individual drills before breaking into team periods towards the end. Not only did it give Southern Miss a chance to learn how Anderson conducts practice, but it also gave Anderson a look at his new team that is slim on returners.Â
"I loved the way we practiced," Anderson said. "The energy was good, and they fought through getting the spring break legs out from underneath them. Tomorrow will be a good telltale of where we're actually at, but I am still pleased with how they worked today."
 Anderson discussed the competitions that nearly every position group will face as the Golden Eagles lost most of their production from the 2025 season.Â
"Typically, going into spring, you have a handful of guys that you have seen play, and you kind of know what you're getting," Anderson said. "We don't have that. We are starting from scratch on 99 percent of the roster, and we're not only having to evaluate every day, but also teach these guys."
Southern Miss will continue to work towards the Spring Showcase on April 18 as it goes through several more practices before that day. The 2026 season opener is slated for Saturday, Sept. 5, against Alcorn State.Â
New season tickets and renewals are available for the 2026 Golden Eagle home schedule that features six home games. To purchase tickets, please go to SouthernMiss.com/Tickets.
Follow @SouthernMissFB on social media to get the latest Golden Eagle updates.Â
While it was the first day of preparations for the 2026 season, it was also first-year head coach Blake Anderson's birthday. It was fittingly celebrated with a rendition of "Happy Birthday"Â at the end of practice.Â
The Golden Eagles opened practice with individual drills before breaking into team periods towards the end. Not only did it give Southern Miss a chance to learn how Anderson conducts practice, but it also gave Anderson a look at his new team that is slim on returners.Â
"I loved the way we practiced," Anderson said. "The energy was good, and they fought through getting the spring break legs out from underneath them. Tomorrow will be a good telltale of where we're actually at, but I am still pleased with how they worked today."
 Anderson discussed the competitions that nearly every position group will face as the Golden Eagles lost most of their production from the 2025 season.Â
"Typically, going into spring, you have a handful of guys that you have seen play, and you kind of know what you're getting," Anderson said. "We don't have that. We are starting from scratch on 99 percent of the roster, and we're not only having to evaluate every day, but also teach these guys."
Southern Miss will continue to work towards the Spring Showcase on April 18 as it goes through several more practices before that day. The 2026 season opener is slated for Saturday, Sept. 5, against Alcorn State.Â
New season tickets and renewals are available for the 2026 Golden Eagle home schedule that features six home games. To purchase tickets, please go to SouthernMiss.com/Tickets.
Follow @SouthernMissFB on social media to get the latest Golden Eagle updates.Â
2026 National Signing Day Press Conference with Blake Anderson
Wednesday, February 04
Southern Miss 2026 National Signing Day
Wednesday, February 04
Christian Ostrander Preseason Press Conference
Monday, January 19
Blake Anderson Introductory Press Conference
Monday, December 15