Southern Miss defeated Jacksonville State 42-25 on Saturday in Week 5 of the 2025 season. The Golden Eagles controlled the game from the start, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and never relinquishing the lead.

Jacksonville State kept pace early with a field goal in the first quarter but managed only three more points through the first half. Southern Miss extended its advantage to 21-3 by halftime. The Gamecocks mounted a second-half comeback, scoring eight points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth, but it proved insufficient.

Jacksonville State's Gavin Wimsatt led the passing attack with 19 completions, while Cam Cook was the leading receiver with 77 yards. Southern Miss's Jeffery Pittman led all rushers with 80 yards.

The game featured several pivotal moments, including a 73-yard run by Caden Creel that set up scoring position in the third quarter and a fourth-quarter interception returned for a touchdown by Ian Foster that sealed the victory. Southern Miss covered the 4.5-point spread and the game exceeded the over-under of 56 points.