University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Athletics, Forrest Announce Expanded Partnership
9/23/2026 10:00:00 AM | Football, General
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – At the beginning of the football season, Southern Miss Athletics and Forrest, the regional health system formerly known as Forrest Health, announced an extended partnership through Learfield's Southern Miss Sports Properties, expanding a relationship that has connected two of South Mississippi's most recognizable institutions for more than 25 years.
As part of the renewed relationship, Forrest became the first-ever jersey patch partner of Southern Miss Football when the Golden Eagles debuted the for life patch on their uniforms during the 2026 season opener against Alcorn State at Renasant Stadium.
The patch represents Forrest's new brand identity and its commitment to caring for the people of South Mississippi through every stage of life. The partnership gives Forrest a prominent presence on the field while continuing a longstanding relationship with Southern Miss Athletics.
"Forrest has been an important partner of Southern Miss, and we're excited to expand that relationship in a meaningful way," said Southern Miss Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain. "This partnership represents how we can create new opportunities in college athletics while aligning with organizations that share our commitment to Southern Miss and our community."
The recently-approved jersey patch opportunities arrive at a pivotal time for Southern Miss Football as the Golden Eagles enter a new era under head coach Blake Anderson following a New Orleans Bowl appearance to cap off the 2025 season. The for life jersey patch will capitalize on that momentum, giving the longtime partner a prominent presence during one of the most visible seasons on the Southern Miss Athletics calendar.
"Forrest and Southern Miss have both been part of this community for generations, and we're proud to continue building on a partnership that has grown for more than 25 years," said Jeff Cook, President and CEO of Forrest. "The for life patch is a visible reminder of our commitment to South Mississippi and the people who call it home. We're excited to stand alongside Southern Miss to support a stronger, healthier Mississippi."
A longtime supporter of Southern Miss, Forrest has maintained a visible presence across Golden Eagle athletic programs and events, while its support of the university has also created opportunities for students to pursue careers in health care. Most recently, Forrest and Southern Miss launched the Forrest Scholars program, providing nursing students with hands-on clinical experience at Forrest General, mentorship from experienced nurses and opportunities to explore future careers within the health care system. The newly minted jersey patch partnership builds on that history of supporting Southern Miss student-athletes, students and the broader Pine Belt community.
Southern Miss Sports Properties is the locally-based Learfield team that is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Southern Miss Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Golden Eagles.
About Forrest
Forrest is a regional health system providing high-quality, compassionate care across South Mississippi. Anchored by Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Forrest includes seven hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics, and a comprehensive network of services designed to make care more accessible throughout the region. United by a commitment to care in all ways, for all people, always, Forrest is dedicated to advancing health and well-being through every stage of life.
About the University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 37 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
As part of the renewed relationship, Forrest became the first-ever jersey patch partner of Southern Miss Football when the Golden Eagles debuted the for life patch on their uniforms during the 2026 season opener against Alcorn State at Renasant Stadium.
The patch represents Forrest's new brand identity and its commitment to caring for the people of South Mississippi through every stage of life. The partnership gives Forrest a prominent presence on the field while continuing a longstanding relationship with Southern Miss Athletics.
"Forrest has been an important partner of Southern Miss, and we're excited to expand that relationship in a meaningful way," said Southern Miss Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain. "This partnership represents how we can create new opportunities in college athletics while aligning with organizations that share our commitment to Southern Miss and our community."
The recently-approved jersey patch opportunities arrive at a pivotal time for Southern Miss Football as the Golden Eagles enter a new era under head coach Blake Anderson following a New Orleans Bowl appearance to cap off the 2025 season. The for life jersey patch will capitalize on that momentum, giving the longtime partner a prominent presence during one of the most visible seasons on the Southern Miss Athletics calendar.
"Forrest and Southern Miss have both been part of this community for generations, and we're proud to continue building on a partnership that has grown for more than 25 years," said Jeff Cook, President and CEO of Forrest. "The for life patch is a visible reminder of our commitment to South Mississippi and the people who call it home. We're excited to stand alongside Southern Miss to support a stronger, healthier Mississippi."
A longtime supporter of Southern Miss, Forrest has maintained a visible presence across Golden Eagle athletic programs and events, while its support of the university has also created opportunities for students to pursue careers in health care. Most recently, Forrest and Southern Miss launched the Forrest Scholars program, providing nursing students with hands-on clinical experience at Forrest General, mentorship from experienced nurses and opportunities to explore future careers within the health care system. The newly minted jersey patch partnership builds on that history of supporting Southern Miss student-athletes, students and the broader Pine Belt community.
Southern Miss Sports Properties is the locally-based Learfield team that is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Southern Miss Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Golden Eagles.
About Forrest
Forrest is a regional health system providing high-quality, compassionate care across South Mississippi. Anchored by Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Forrest includes seven hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics, and a comprehensive network of services designed to make care more accessible throughout the region. United by a commitment to care in all ways, for all people, always, Forrest is dedicated to advancing health and well-being through every stage of life.
About the University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 37 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
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