Devin’s Golden Eagles To Watch In 2025 (Defense)

Defense, to me, is the most important phase in the game in football. For Southern Miss, the defense has been rebuilt from 2024 with the help of a flurry of transfers. The Golden Eagles look primed to have a solid defense coming into the 2025 season in hopes of turning a new chapter, and re-establishing the well known “Nasty Bunch” mantra of old. With that being said, here’s my five players to look out for on the Golden Eagles defensive side of the ball.

Brodarius Lewis – Defensive Lineman

A returning face from 2024, Brodarius Lewis could be one of the many keys to success for the Golden Eagle defense in 2025. Finishing off last season with 39 tackles, 19 of which were on his own, and four sacks, Lewis has been named as a Preseason 1st team all Sun Belt player. He has the potential to finish 2025 as a standout player for the Golden Eagles as he begins his senior year.

Michael Montgomery – Linebacker

A former FCS Freshman All-American at Portland State, Michael Montgomery could be a player that the Sun Belt fears this season and beyond. Recording 80 tackles last season as a sophomore, Montgomery has a real chance to continue that success into 2025. Under Jason Semore, Montgomery could develop into a problem for opposing offenses to deal with.

Chris Jones – Linebacker

A rarity in college football nowadays, Jones was a true freshman starter. The Byram native had a good first season of college football recording 46 total tackles, 25 solo tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles and an interception in 2024. Jones chose to remain at Southern Miss thanks to both coach Charles Huff and defensive coordinator Jason Semore. Alongside Montgomery, the sky is anything but the limit for Jones, and he could be not only just a leader on the Golden Eagles defense, but a chance to become one of the standout linebackers in the conference.

Josh Moten – Cornerback

One of the faces of the new look Golden Eagles defense is Josh Moten. From being named as a G5 Preseason All-American by Hero Sports and the prestigious Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, he was also named by the Sun Belt as a Preseason 1st Team All-Conference. Moten arguably has garnered some of the most attention on the entire roster, and rightfully so. Moten finished 2024 recording 38 tackles, five pass break ups and five interceptions, and seems set to lead the way in the secondary this year. He will be a nightmare for receivers to deal with on “Moten Island.”