Southern Miss opens its 2026-27 men’s basketball season Monday at home against Tougaloo, looking to build on last year’s 19-win campaign and a run to the Sun Belt Tournament semifinals. Senior center Isaac Taveras, the Sun Belt preseason player of the year, leads a roster blending returning players and newcomers.

By the Numbers
  • Southern Miss went 19-16 last season and won 3 straight games to reach the Sun Belt Tournament semifinals.
  • Taveras averaged 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds, shooting 51.5% from the field.
  • The Golden Eagles have won 10 consecutive home openers and are 69-12 in those games all time.
  • Southern Miss leads the series with Tougaloo, 3-0.
Yes, But

Southern Miss was picked seventh in the Sun Belt preseason poll, despite receiving two first-place votes. Tougaloo also comes in after a strong season, finishing 19-10, winning its conference’s Western Division title and reaching the championship game.

State of Play
  • Monday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. CT at Reed Green Coliseum in Hattiesburg.
  • Southern Miss is coming off two preseason exhibitions; Tougaloo played an October scrimmage against Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
What’s Next

After the opener, Southern Miss heads to Ames, Iowa, to face Iowa State on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. CT.

Bottom Line

The opener is a chance for Southern Miss to turn preseason preparation into a result—and start a season with a home-court advantage that has been a reliable strength.