Andrew Abadie

With Southern Miss’ 2025 season officially in the books, the Golden Eagles have already begun making offseason moves.  Here’s a look at the key roster changes — from graduating veterans and likely draft departures to returning contributors and new additions.

With the NCAA settlement making revenue sharing official, Southern Miss’ To The Top Collective is ahead of the curve. Director Peter Boehme says the group was built for this moment and is now focused on sustainable fundraising.

As the careers of Jojo and Jacob Parker come to an end, the duo leaves a legacy that will forever be synonymous with Purvis baseball.  The brothers also helped maintain the tradition of Purvis baseball, as the duo led the Tornadoes to a second state championship in three years, earning them the Pine Belt Sports Co-Players of the Year for the 2025 season. 

For the last two years, Jarrett Hoffpauir has raised the expectations at Presbyterian Christian.  Hoffpauir maintained that trend as he helped lead PCS to its first-ever state championship, which earned him the Pine Belt Sports Baseball Coach of the Year for the 2025 season. 

Southern Miss center fielder Jake Cook became the second Golden Eagle to be selected in the MLB Draft. Cook was taken at No. 81 overall in the third round by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Southern Miss junior pitcher JB Middleton became the first Golden Eagle to be taken in this year's MLB Draft.  The All-American right-hander, and reigning Ferris Trophy winner, was selected by the Colorado Rockies as the No. 45 overall pick in the second round.

Purvis’ Jacob Parker was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 19th round on Monday. The outfielder was selected with the 573rd overall pick.

Southern Miss pitcher Landen Payne became the fourth Golden Eagles taken in the MLB Draft.  The Chicago White Sox drafted Payne with 526th overall pick in the 18th round. 

Southern Miss’ Nick Monistere was the first Golden Eagle to be selected on the second day of the MLB Draft.  The junior second baseman was selected at No. 126 overall in the fourth round by the Houston Astros.

COLUMN: It's a bittersweet feeling, but I'll be embarking on a new chapter. I’m leaving behind great people and tons of good memories.