2026 South Alabama Football Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & Schedule

Following what was a solid 2024 season in Major Applewhite’s first campaign as head coach, last year was underwhelming for South Alabama. The Jaguars finished 4-8 and, after winning their first game of the season, went on a six-game losing streak. The combined record of the four opponents they defeated was 15-34. They finished 7-6 in 2024.

Now in their third season under Applewhite, I expect the Jaguars will be an improved squad and will be a tough out, giving the rest of the Sun Belt a run for its money.

South Alabama Season Preview

Two of the best offensive players in the program’s history are gone after last season. Running back Kentrell Bullock finished his career as the third-leading rusher in program history while Devin Voisin finished as the program’s third-leading receiver. 

That means there will be some new guys needed to fill those voids. This offense has potential, and with Applewhite taking over play-calling duties, it could be one of the top offenses in the league. 

The only problem is, the Jaguars struggled to stop opponents last season. Their defense was a big reason for their six-game losing skid. We’ll see if this year’s defense will be a little more polished.

South Alabama Offense Should Maintain Strong Rush Attack

South Alabama was left out to dry last year when starting quarterback Gio Lopez bolted for North Carolina in April. Bishop Davenport was the No. 2 guy at that point but stepped into the starting role and had a decent season. He finished with 2,072 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions while also rushing for 326 yards and nine scores. The redshirt senior will be back and should have the starting job locked up, although it sounds like fellow QB Jared Hollins will make Davenport earn it. 

Even with the loss of Bullock, the Jaguars return a pair of junior RBs who should excel. Keenan Phillips logged 607 yards and three TDs on 126 carries last season while PJ Martin was the third-leading rusher and finished with 326 yards on 60 totes. I don’t expect the rushing attack to skip a beat, even with a new-look offensive line. 

Senior Kenton Jerido will return as a starter on the O-line and was a third-team All-Sun Belt selection last season. Ethan Hubbard is another returning starter and should maintain his spot at one of the tackle positions. Reese Osei-Wusu also earned two starts last season at two different positions, giving the Jaguars a little more experience and flexibility up front.

Junior wide receiver Anthony Eager looks like he’s poised to be the main pass catcher for the Jaguars and was second on the roster last year with 40 receptions for 339 yards.

Micah Woods and Brendan Jenkins both earned starts last year and should be two other wideouts who are expected to handle larger roles in the offense. Woods has plenty of big-play potential.

South Alabama Returns All-Conference Caliber Defenders 

With some standout players returning defensively, I think the Jaguars have the potential to be better on this side of the ball than they were last year.

Two reasons why are linebackers Tirrell Johnson and Caleb Dozier. Johnson, a senior, registered 54 total tackles last year and five tackles for loss to earn a Sun Belt honorable mention nod. Dozier, a redshirt sophomore, logged 40 tackles in eight games before suffering a season-ending injury. 

I think ULM transfer Seidrion Langston is another guy who could make a name for himself on this defense.

And there’s no question the Jaguars will have one of the top cornerbacks in the league in Jayvon Henderson. The senior started all 12 games last season and had 26 total tackles and five pass breakups. With him on one side of the field, opposing offenses will likely target the other side, meaning whoever earns the starting job opposite Henderson could have a lot of passes go their way. 

I think Utah transfer Jaylen Moson and a pair of junior college transfers in Tre Webb III (Copiah-Lincoln College) and Colby Williams (Snow College) will be vying for that spot.

Other returners in the secondary will be safeties Dallas Young and Cole Blaylock. Young started four games last season while Blaylock started one.

Senior defensive end Emmanuel Waller will be back for the defensive front after starting six games in 2025, but McNeese State transfer Mase Lewis could establish himself as the most feared guy on the D-line. He logged five tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last season. The remainder of the defensive line looks to be inexperienced, and I think these spots are wide open as fall camp nears.

2026 South Alabama Schedule

South Alabama’s Sun Belt Championship Betting Odds

South Alabama has +550 college football betting odds to win the Sun Belt. The Jaguars have the fifth-shortest odds.

South Alabama’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total

• South Alabama’s win total Over/Under is at 5.5
• The Over is at -120
• The Under is at -105

South Alabama Season Prediction

I predict South Alabama wins six games and gets to a bowl but falls short of winning a Sun Belt title. 

I don’t think the Jaguars’ schedule is too daunting. There are relatively tough stretches and the non-conference slate won’t be easy, but I think most of their league games are coin flips as of now.

Last season was Applewhite’s first losing season in his four years as a head coach. I don’t think this year will be his second.