Transfer Portal: Ole Miss RB Matt Jones Lands at Southern Miss for 2025

The ever-evolving landscape of college football continues to be shaped by the impact of the transfer portal, and one of the latest high-profile moves involves running back Matt Jones. After spending two seasons at Ole Miss, Jones is transferring to Southern Miss for the 2025 season. The decision has created waves in both the SEC and Conference USA, as the talented back looks to rejuvenate his career with the Golden Eagles. This move represents not just a change in programs but a fresh start for Jones, who now has the opportunity to showcase his skills as a featured back and carve out a legacy at Southern Miss.

Background: Ole Miss and Matt Jones’ Early Career

Matt Jones began his college career as part of the Ole Miss Rebels’ highly regarded recruiting class. Coming out of high school, Jones was considered a versatile and dynamic running back with the potential to make an immediate impact. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 220 pounds, Jones possessed both the size and speed necessary to thrive in the SEC’s physical style of play. His blend of agility and power made him an attractive prospect, and the Ole Miss coaching staff was eager to bring him on board.

In his first season at Ole Miss (2023), Jones was part of a talented backfield rotation. He appeared in several games, showcasing flashes of brilliance but did not have the consistent opportunities to take over as the lead back. Behind established stars and with the team utilizing a multi-back system, Jones’ role was somewhat limited. He saw action in eight games, rushing for 314 yards on 61 carries with three touchdowns. Though his statistics were solid, it was clear that the depth of the Ole Miss backfield—headlined by future NFL prospect Quinshon Judkins—made it difficult for Jones to establish himself as a primary ball-carrier.

In 2024, the arrival of new recruits and the continued rise of Judkins further relegated Jones’ role in the offense. Although he still saw action in several games, his production remained limited, rushing for just 226 yards on 51 carries and scoring two touchdowns. This lack of consistent involvement in the offense led Jones to reassess his situation, and ultimately, he made the decision to enter the transfer portal following the 2024 season.

The Decision to Transfer to Southern Miss

The decision to transfer to Southern Miss represents a new chapter in Jones’ career. While Ole Miss is part of the elite SEC, Southern Miss, a member of Conference USA, offers Jones the opportunity to become a focal point in the offense. The Golden Eagles have a long history of developing talented players and have produced several notable NFL players, but in recent years, the program has struggled to find consistent success. The 2025 season represents an opportunity for Southern Miss to return to prominence, and Jones could be one of the key players to help them do so.

Jones’ decision to choose Southern Miss over other programs may have been influenced by several factors. First, the Golden Eagles have a strong need for a playmaker in their backfield. While the program has had solid contributors in recent years, it has lacked a true featured running back—someone who can dominate games and take pressure off the quarterback. Jones, with his blend of power and speed, fits the bill perfectly.

Additionally, the move to Southern Miss gives Jones the chance to prove himself on a larger stage, in a conference that is known for its competitive nature but does not feature the same level of high-end talent as the SEC. At Southern Miss, Jones will have the opportunity to be the centerpiece of the offense and could become a standout player within Conference USA.

The change of scenery also provides Jones with a fresh start. After two seasons of limited action at Ole Miss, a fresh environment and new coaching staff at Southern Miss could be the perfect remedy for a player looking to regain his confidence and make a statement on the field.

Southern Miss’ Program and Coaching Staff

Southern Miss is no stranger to coaching changes and program adjustments over the years. However, under the leadership of head coach Will Hall, the Golden Eagles have steadily improved, with Hall bringing in a more up-tempo, pass-heavy offensive scheme. The addition of Matt Jones gives Hall and his staff a dynamic weapon who can complement the passing game while providing a physical presence in the backfield.

In recent years, Southern Miss has shown flashes of potential but has struggled to find consistency, especially at the quarterback and running back positions. Hall has made it clear that he wants to build a balanced offense, and Jones’ arrival gives him the ability to balance his team’s aerial attack with a strong ground game. Jones’ skill set will likely be a key part of Southern Miss’ offense, and the coaching staff will look to use him as a workhorse back who can contribute both on the ground and in the passing game.

The Golden Eagles have produced several notable running backs over the years, such as the likes of DeAndré Washington and the more recent Ito Smith, who made their mark both in Conference USA and at the professional level. Jones will be looking to follow in their footsteps and make an impact in the Conference USA ranks. Southern Miss will rely heavily on his ability to create explosive plays and wear down opposing defenses with his physical running style.

The Fit: How Matt Jones Will Impact Southern Miss’ Offense

Matt Jones is a versatile running back who excels at both between-the-tackles running and breaking away for big gains. His physical style of running will complement Southern Miss’ offensive identity and give the team a much-needed dimension in the backfield. In contrast to the more finesse-based style of running backs in modern college football, Jones brings a level of power that allows him to push through tackles and gain yards after contact.

One of the biggest areas where Jones will make an immediate impact is his ability to wear down defenses. In a league like Conference USA, where many teams prioritize fast-paced offenses but often lack the depth of SEC programs, Jones could be a game-changer. His size and running style will allow him to dominate the line of scrimmage and control the pace of the game. As defenses tire, Jones’ ability to break through tackles and finish runs with power could help Southern Miss keep opposing defenses on their heels.

Another area where Jones could make a difference is in the passing game. While primarily known for his rushing ability, Jones has demonstrated the ability to be a receiving threat out of the backfield. In Southern Miss’ up-tempo offense, he could serve as a safety valve for the quarterback, catching passes out of the backfield and turning short gains into significant yardage. This versatility will make Jones a dual-threat weapon and force opposing defenses to account for him in multiple ways.

Jones’ arrival also brings leadership and experience to a Southern Miss team that may be looking to take the next step in its development. As a player with SEC experience, Jones brings with him a higher level of competition and maturity that could positively impact the younger players on the roster. His experience in high-pressure games will allow him to handle the mental aspect of the game with poise and professionalism, qualities that will benefit the entire team.

Expectations for 2025 and Beyond

As Matt Jones prepares to make his debut for Southern Miss in the 2025 season, expectations are high. While Southern Miss is not currently considered a top contender in Conference USA, Jones’ talent and ability to contribute immediately could help turn the program’s fortunes around. He will enter the season as the presumed starter and will be tasked with carrying a heavy load in the running game. The coaching staff will likely lean on him to provide stability and explosiveness to the offense.

With Southern Miss looking to reassert itself in the Conference USA race, Jones could very well emerge as one of the best running backs in the conference. If he performs up to his potential, he could propel the Golden Eagles into contention for a Conference USA championship and make a name for himself as one of the top backs in the region. Additionally, if he can build on his success and continue to improve his all-around game, Jones may be able to enter the NFL draft after his time at Southern Miss and earn a shot at playing at the next level.