The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are using their 1-11 record from 2024 as a rallying cry for change, wearing workout shirts emblazoned with the numbers as a constant reminder of what must never happen again. Under new head coach Charles Huff, the team is embracing the past season’s failures as fuel to transform the program’s culture and performance.
The Golden Eagles endured a brutal 2024 campaign, with Louisiana-Lafayette being the only team to defeat them by fewer than two touchdowns. Their most lopsided loss came against eventual Sun Belt champions Marshall, who dominated Southern Miss 37-3. The team’s struggles were evident, and Huff is determined to ensure they are not repeated.
In an effort to instill accountability, returning players have been required to wear the 1-11 shirts during workouts. Rising sophomore linebacker Chris Jones admitted the shirts initially felt like a harsh reality check. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s what I did. That’s what me and my team did,’” Jones told Magnolia Tribune. But instead of discouragement, the reminder has become a source of motivation.
Adding an interesting twist to the team’s rebuild, Huff arrived in Hattiesburg just days after leading Marshall to a conference title. Along with him came 19 former Marshall players who now find themselves wearing the same 1-11 workout shirts as their new teammates. “They just won a championship, and here they are repping 1-11 on their backs too. We’re all a team,” Jones said.
Huff has wasted no time reshaping the roster, with Southern Miss leading the nation in incoming transfers. According to 247 Sports, the Golden Eagles have brought in 36 new players, surpassing West Virginia and UNLV, both of whom have at least 30 transfers. Meanwhile, 24 players from last year’s team entered the transfer portal, with some still searching for a landing spot.
Despite the roster overhaul, Jones never considered leaving. “I feel like USM is my home. This is what my brand is,” he said. A key contributor as a freshman, Jones recorded 46 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and two forced fumbles. He believes last year’s struggles stemmed from a lack of discipline and structure—two things Huff has already begun to address.
Huff’s emphasis on accountability and work ethic is evident. Jones noticed a stark difference upon returning from Christmas break, seeing his new teammates already in the weight room. “These guys from Marshall and other schools were already here working,” he said. “Last year, I didn’t see that.” The increased intensity of workouts and a renewed sense of purpose have set a new standard.
Southern Miss will have its first opportunity to shed the 1-11 identity on August 30, when they face Mississippi State in their season opener. Ironically, the Bulldogs also had a dismal 2024 season, finishing 2-10. While Jones isn’t making bold predictions, he is confident in one thing: “We wear 1-11 on our backs when we work out. That was the standard, but that’s not the standard now. We’ll never go 1-11 under Huff. We’re going to turn this program around for sure.”