University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Works Through Second Day of Fall Practice Wednesday
8/5/2026 1:20:00 PM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Southern Miss football team went through the second day of fall football practice Wednesday morning at the Joe P. Park Practice Facility.
The Golden Eagles enjoyed another sunny, hot morning in helmets and shorts as they continue to get ready for the 2026 season and its season opener, Saturday, Sept. 5, versus Alcorn State at The Rock.
Southern Miss defensive coordinator Joe Bolden met with the media following practice and expressed his appreciation for the hard work that his unit has put together over the last few months and how it has spilled over into the first couple of days of fall camp.
"Our guys had a really good summer going into fall camp and I am excited (about this group)," said Bolden to the media following practice. "I have a willing group and guys that are ready to work. They care a lot and that is something that can't be taken lightly, which is a blessing."
Bolden, who is in his first season as a defensive coordinator, feels like it is his job as well as the rest of the Golden Eagle coach staff to put his players in a position to be successful and really likes the pursuit ahead of him as they get ready for the season.
"That's why we are here," said Bolden. "We are teachers and it is our job to find a way to teach these guys and allow them to execute at a high level. It's been good and I am excited for the rest of it."
One player that Bolden highlighted during his availability was returning linebacker Mathis Haygood, a redshirt junior from Fayetteville, Ga. One of the few players back on defense is expected to take a leadership role this fall.
"Mathis has been a pleasant surprise," said Bolden. "With so much change around you (over the last few months), how do you react to that? And he has grown up significantly and he has taken that role (of leader) significantly and it is very important to him."
The Golden Eagles will not practice on Thursday but return to action Friday on campus.
Season plans, flex plan options and single game tickets are still available by going online at SouthernMiss.com/Tickets. Game time for the season opener against Alcorn State is 4 p.m.
The Golden Eagles enjoyed another sunny, hot morning in helmets and shorts as they continue to get ready for the 2026 season and its season opener, Saturday, Sept. 5, versus Alcorn State at The Rock.
Southern Miss defensive coordinator Joe Bolden met with the media following practice and expressed his appreciation for the hard work that his unit has put together over the last few months and how it has spilled over into the first couple of days of fall camp.
"Our guys had a really good summer going into fall camp and I am excited (about this group)," said Bolden to the media following practice. "I have a willing group and guys that are ready to work. They care a lot and that is something that can't be taken lightly, which is a blessing."
Bolden, who is in his first season as a defensive coordinator, feels like it is his job as well as the rest of the Golden Eagle coach staff to put his players in a position to be successful and really likes the pursuit ahead of him as they get ready for the season.
"That's why we are here," said Bolden. "We are teachers and it is our job to find a way to teach these guys and allow them to execute at a high level. It's been good and I am excited for the rest of it."
One player that Bolden highlighted during his availability was returning linebacker Mathis Haygood, a redshirt junior from Fayetteville, Ga. One of the few players back on defense is expected to take a leadership role this fall.
"Mathis has been a pleasant surprise," said Bolden. "With so much change around you (over the last few months), how do you react to that? And he has grown up significantly and he has taken that role (of leader) significantly and it is very important to him."
The Golden Eagles will not practice on Thursday but return to action Friday on campus.
Season plans, flex plan options and single game tickets are still available by going online at SouthernMiss.com/Tickets. Game time for the season opener against Alcorn State is 4 p.m.
Players Mentioned
LB
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