Ole Miss Transfer RB Matt Jones Signs with Southern Miss: “I’m Not Too Far from Home”
Former Ole Miss running back Matt Jones has officially signed with Southern Miss, marking a new chapter in his collegiate football career. The transfer decision, announced earlier this week, has sparked excitement among Golden Eagles fans as the program adds a talented and experienced player to its backfield. For Jones, the move is not just about football—it’s also about being closer to his roots and finding a fresh start
Matt Jones, a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is returning to familiar territory by joining Southern Miss. The standout running back expressed his enthusiasm about the decision during an interview shortly after the announcement.
“This feels like the right move for me,” Jones said. “Southern Miss is close to my family and my hometown, so I’ll have their support every step of the way. I’m not too far from home, and that means a lot.”
For Jones, proximity to family and the opportunity to play in front of a supportive community played a significant role in his transfer decision.
Jones initially joined Ole Miss as a highly regarded recruit out of high school, where he was a three-star prospect with offers from multiple SEC programs. Despite the promise he showed, Jones faced stiff competition in a crowded Rebels backfield.
During his two seasons in Oxford, Jones saw limited action, totaling 218 rushing yards and two touchdowns across 12 games. While his playing time was sporadic, he flashed potential with his powerful running style and ability to break tackles. However, the emergence of other backs in the Ole Miss rotation limited his opportunities, prompting him to seek a new program where he could take on a more prominent role.
“Ole Miss gave me a great opportunity, and I’m grateful for everything I learned there,” Jones said. “But I’m ready for a fresh start and a chance to really showcase what I can do.”
At 6’0” and 215 pounds, Jones is a bruising runner who excels in short-yardage situations and has the speed to break away in the open field. His physicality and vision make him a perfect fit for the Golden Eagles’ offense, which emphasizes a balanced attack and a strong ground game.
Southern Miss head coach Will Hall expressed his excitement about adding Jones to the roster.
“Matt is a tremendous talent who will make an immediate impact for us,” Hall said. “He’s got the experience and the skill set to be a leader in our backfield. We’re thrilled to have him.”
With Jones now in the fold, Southern Miss has bolstered a running back group that already showed promise last season. His addition brings depth, versatility, and experience to a team looking to make waves in the Sun Belt Conference.
For Jones, the decision to transfer to Southern Miss wasn’t just about playing time—it was about finding a program that felt like home.
“Southern Miss has always been a program I respected growing up,” Jones said. “They’ve got a great history, and I know I can contribute to what they’re building here. It’s a place where I feel I can really thrive.”
Being closer to home also allows Jones to lean on his support system as he navigates the next phase of his career. With family and friends nearby, he’ll have the encouragement and motivation to give his best on and off the field.
The addition of Jones is a significant boost for Southern Miss as it looks to build on a solid 2024 campaign. The Golden Eagles are coming off a 7-6 season that included a bowl game appearance, and they are eager to take the next step in their development under Coach Hall.
Jones’s arrival adds another dimension to the team’s offense and gives Southern Miss a player who understands the rigors of playing in the SEC. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as the Golden Eagles aim to compete for a Sun Belt title.
For Matt Jones, the move to Southern Miss represents a chance to reset and fulfill the potential that made him a sought-after recruit out of high school. With a fresh start in a program that values his abilities and a supportive community behind him, Jones is poised to make an immediate impact.
“I’m ready to put in the work and do whatever it takes to help this team win,” Jones said. “I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to get started.”
As Jones prepares to take the field in Hattiesburg, fans of Southern Miss have every reason to be optimistic about what he can bring to the program. For the Golden Eagles, the future looks brighter with a hometown star ready to shine.