Vicksburg native Jay Hopson entering fifth season as USM’s head coach

Vicksburg native Jay Hopson is gearing up for his fifth season as the University of Southern Mississippi’s head football coach.

USM had quite a few schedule changes this summer as some of their opponents pushed back fall sports until the spring, but the Golden Eagles will battle the University of South Alabama Jaguars Thursday, and Hopson is preparing the team for its season opener in Hattiesburg.

Before coming to USM in 2016, Hopson spent four years at Alcorn State University where he led the Braves to two SWAC Championships.

He started his head coaching job at USM in 2016, and he shocked the college football world in leading the Golden Eagles to a 44-35 victory over the University of Kentucky in his first game as head coach. He finished that first season with a 7-6 record and a bowl game victory over Louisiana-Lafayette.

Hopson has a 28-22 record as USM’s head coach and an overall 60-39 head coaching record.

This season, he is bringing back some key starters from last year’s squad including quarterback Jack Abraham who will lead the offense this year. Hopson is looking forward to having a big year beginning Thursday.