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With four wins in the last three seasons combined, how do you best build a program that can compete in Conference USA and possibly save your job? For Southern Miss Golden Eagles head coach Todd Monken, the answer is to take FBS ready players that are looking for a new home and can contribute immediately.
Where do you find those players? The clear answer is on other FBS and FCS rosters with Southern Miss currently showing 11 of those players on the roster.
- Stephen Brauchle: Kicker: Brauchle (8-13 FG, 52-54 PAT at Louisiana) is a transfer from the Ragin' Cajuns of Louisiana and has the ability to replace Cory Acosta this fall.
- Justice Hayes: Running back: Hayes (48/213/0TD in 2014 at Michigan) is a former four-star running back that should give depth to the Golden Eagles rushing attack.
- Tyler Matthews: Quarterback: Matthews is a former four-star quarterback at TCU with the arm strength to give Southern Miss a deadly passing attack. He is currently battling for the starting quarterback role.
- Casey Martin: Wide receiver: Martin (55/531/2TD in 2014) was a former Houston Cougar but found his home in 2014 as the team's leading receiver with 55 catches. Martin is a projected starter this fall.
- Matthew Moseley: Punter: Moesley (19 career punts at USM) moved to the Golden Eagles after spending a year at Tennessee State. Moseley will be in the hunt for playing time on the punt team.
- Naim Mustafaa: Defensive tackle: A two-time transfer after starting his career at Oklahoma State before transferring to Miami and now to Southern Miss. Currently a redshirt sophomore.
- Ben Olinger: Wide Receiver: Another wide receiver transfer, this time from Jacksonville State of the FCS, and should be a contributor on special teams as a redshirt sophomore.
- Quincy Russell, Defensive Tackle: Russell (2 tkl in 2014 at Oklahoma) is a former four-star recruit and should see significant playing time on the defensive line.
- Anthony Swain: Linebacker: Swain (18 tkl, 3 tfl, 1 sack at Auburn in 2014) is a very athletic linebacker that should be a starter as a redshirt senior this fall for Southern Miss.
- Matt Bergeron: Quarterback: Bergeron is a quarterback transfer from FCS program Lamar and is not expected to fight for the starting job. He will be a key player in practice that will mimic the opposing offenses.
- Andrew Bolton, Defensive Tackle: Bolton (16 tkl, 3.5 tfl, 1.5 sacks) is a defensive line transfer from Kansas and is expected to see significant playing time as a redshirt senior this fall.
Whatever happens with Monken and company will in large part be determined by the play this season by this group of transfers.