Southern Miss is set to cash in on a $1.85 million guarantee when it travels to Auburn's Jordan‑Hare Stadium in 2026, a deal that forms the centerpiece of a broader nonconference schedule announced recently.
Financial Landscape of Southern Miss Football's 2026 Nonconference Slate
The agreement is part of a multi‑year arrangement that also includes a home game against Alcorn State on September 5, 2026, for which Southern Miss will receive $400,000, plus an additional $25,000 earmarked for the visiting band.
The schedule also features a home‑and‑home series with UConn, where the first leg will be played in Storrs in 2029; the 2026 installment will see UConn host the Golden Eagles, though no monetary exchange is slated for that year.
A separate four‑game series with Tulane will see the Green Wave pay $75,000 for the 2026 matchup at Yulman Stadium, continuing a rivalry that stands at 24‑10 in favor of Tulane.
Historical context adds intrigue: Auburn, coming off a 5‑7 season in 2025, holds an 18‑5 all‑time edge over Southern Miss, while the Golden Eagles boast a perfect 4‑0 record against Alcorn State.
Coaching changes further shape the narrative. Will Hall, who departed Southern Miss to take the helm at Tulane, will guide the Green Wave in 2026, while UConn hired Jason Candle as its new head coach after Jim Mora left for Colorado State. Jon Sumrall, another recent departure, has moved on to Florida.
Together, these financial guarantees and personnel shifts illustrate how mid‑major programs are leveraging high‑profile matchups to fund growth, even as they navigate evolving conference dynamics.