Article by: Robbie Kan, Contributing Writer, Photos by Addison Goodwin

After a disappointing 4-8 campaign in 2025, South Alabama football enters the 2026 season with something to prove. The Jaguars have plenty of upside this season, and many people expect a bounce-back, but questions remain about whether the team has made enough changes to turn things around. 

Last season exposed several weaknesses for the Jaguars, including a flawed run defense and questionable play-calling. Both sides of the ball were inconsistent, at inconvenient times for the team. South also struggled to close out games, turning potential wins into disappointing losses. However, the season had its bright spots. While South did struggle to close games, they proved they could play with almost anybody on the field. They lost only a two-possession game to Auburn, lost by 2 points to CFP contender Tulane, and dominated Southern Miss, helping retain their undefeated record against the Golden Eagles. South can win games, and if the Jaguars can improve in some of the areas mentioned previously, expect them to make a significant jump from last season. 

Entering the 2026 season, South will see plenty of changes. South ranks 105th in returning production, so expect to see a lot of new faces. Starting quarterback Bishop Davenport will return, but the team will lose many other familiar faces on the offensive side, including running back Kentrel Bullock and also wide receivers Devin Voisin and Jeremy Scott. South will return Anthony Eager at the wide receiver position. On the defensive side, South lost Nehemiah Chandler, Blayne Myrick, and some other important pieces on the defensive side. South will retain Jayvon Henderson and Caleb Dozier. 

Regarding the schedule, South opens the season at home against Southeastern Louisiana, which should be an easier FCS game to prepare the players for the tougher side of the non-conference schedule, which will consist of Tulane, Ohio, and a tough SEC road trip game against Kentucky. In October, South begins its conference schedule against Louisiana Monroe. In back-to-back weeks, South will play Troy and Southern Miss in mid-November and then finish off the season with a home game against Appalachian State the Friday after Thanksgiving. 

Ultimately, South Alabama’s success will come down to whether they can be more consistent. The Jaguars don’t have to reinvent themselves, but simply find a way to turn the flashes of potential into consistent performances week after week, limit costly turnovers and other mistakes, and finish games. If the Jags can do this, fans can expect them to win at least 7 or 8 games. 

Prediction: 7-6. While South still has questions to answer, Applewhite is now starting his third season at the helm, and with that comes more experience. The Jaguars have enough pieces to start a rebuild, and there is no conference team that dominates skill-wise. That said, expect the Jaguars to lose several games, but fans can hope for a significantly more successful season.