For the first time in the program’s short 12-year history, South Alabama went to back-to-back bowl games after making an appearance in the 68 Ventures Bowl last season.
The Jaguars went on to defeat Eastern Michigan 59-10. Former head coach Kane Wommack left less than a month later after accepting the defensive coordinator position at Alabama under new coach Kalen DeBoer.
The Jaguars didn’t look too far in their search for their next coach, promoting offensive coordinator Major Applewhite, who served as South Alabama’s OC since 2021. The Jaguars ranked fourth in the Sun Belt in each of the past two seasons in total offense.
Applewhite’s only stint as a head coach came in 2016-2018 with Houston where he went 15-10 over two seasons and clinched a share of the AAC West Division title in 2018 but was fired shortly after. He’ll now get an opportunity to try and continue South Alabama’s recent success.
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South Alabama Football’s Sun Belt Title Odds
South Alabama’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +1100, via BetMGM.
South Alabama Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
South Alabama’s win total Over/Under is 6.5, with the Over at -150 and the Under at +125.
South Alabama Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 vs North Texas
9/7 at Ohio
9/12 vs Northwestern State
9/19 at Appalachian State
9/28 at LSU
10/5 at Arkansas State
10/15 vs Troy
10/26 vs UL Monroe
11/2 vs Georgia State
11/16 at Louisiana
11/23 at Southern Miss
11/29 vs Texas State
Bold indicates Sun Belt contest
Key South Alabama Football Returners
2023 All-Sun Belt First Team
DB Jaden Voisin
Third Team
DL Wy’Kevious Thomas
Honorable Mention
WR Jamaal Pritchett
South Alabama’s New Leadership
Not only will we see a new head coach of the Jaguars, but they’ll also be replacing many of the leaders from 2024.
Most notably is quarterback Carter Bradley, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent last month. Redshirt freshman Gio Lopez looks to be in line to take the reins of the offense and started in two games last year, both when Bradley was injured, and finished the season with 475 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. The first start was a loss to Troy and the second was the Jaguars’ bowl game victory. Lopez is one of just three QBs currently on the roster along with freshman Jared Hollins and redshirt sophomore Bishop Davenport.
Center Reggie Smith and standout running back La’Damian Webb are also a pair of veterans that have moved on. They were two of the seven seniors that started on the Jaguars’ offense last season. Caullin Lacy was the leader in the wide receiver room but transferred to Louisville. Jamaal Pritchett could be the new No. 1.
There are also plenty of veterans gone on defense. Senior linebacker Quentin Wilfawn was a key piece in this defense and led the team with 84 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Replacing him will be no easy task, but Liberty transfer Aakil Washington is reportedly the guy the Jaguars will lean on to fill that void.
Only one of the Jaguars’ seven leading tacklers from last season will be back, but he is one of the best defensive backs in the league — Jaden Voisin. Voisin finished with 66 tackles, four interceptions, and six pass breakups to earn All-Sun Belt honors. Voisin should be in for another big season as he’s expected to be the heartbeat of this defense.
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2024 South Alabama Football Season Prediction
I don’t expect the Jaguars to win the Sun Belt in their first season under Applewhite, but I do believe they will go Over 6.5 wins.
The midseason slate looks like it will be the most difficult and will dictate where they finish in the Sun Belt. I think they will open the season 3-0 and will win against either App State or Troy, and drop the other of these games along with the game at LSU. The contest at Arkansas State also won’t be easy.
There is a chance South Alabama could be 5-2 at this point or 3-4. Either way, I think they win at least three of their final fives games, and will probably have a very good shot to win four of the last five. There is strong potential for the Jaguars to finish with eight wins.
