South Alabama Jaguars Set to Launch 2025 Season Against Morgan State Bears

August 30, 2025 - MOBILE, AL - Tonight at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, the South Alabama Jaguars will kick off their 2025 college football season with a home matchup against the Morgan State Bears. Scheduled for a 6:00 PM CT start, this game marks the beginning of South Alabama's 17th season of football and offers a chance to reset after back-to-back season-opening losses.

With a 93.8% win probability, the Jaguars enter the contest as heavy favorites. But head coach Major Applewhite isn't taking anything for granted. "This is what we've been waiting for," Applewhite said earlier this week. "These are the three months you wait for as a football player and a coach to go have fun. I'm excited and ready to watch our team on Saturday".

New Faces, New Energy

South Alabama's offseason was defined by transformation. The Jaguars added 31 transfers to their roster, with 65% of their newcomers arriving via the transfer portal. That influx of talent brings both depth and competition, especially on defense, where coordinator Will Windham has instilled a hard-hitting identity. "When people turn on the tape, we want them to see that our brand of football is getting to the football with bad intentions," Windham said. "We want to live that every snap of every game".

Offensively, quarterback Bishop Davenport returns with more experience and confidence. After playing in last year's bowl game and spending the offseason immersed in the playbook, Davenport is expected to lead a balanced attack. "He understands the offense way better," said offensive coordinator Paul Petrino. "He's just got a lot more experience".

Statistical Strengths and Weaknesses

Last season, South Alabama boasted one of the most productive offenses in the FBS, ranking 18th in total yards per game (441.8) and 19th in scoring (34.4 points per game). Their rushing attack was especially potent, averaging 198.5 yards per game-23rd-best nationally. However, the defense lagged behind, allowing 393.5 yards per game (92nd) and ranking 67th in scoring defense (25.2 points allowed per game).

Third-down efficiency was a mixed bag: the Jaguars converted 39% of their attempts (79th) and allowed opponents to convert 38.4% (63rd). Improving those margins will be key to sustaining drives and closing out games.

Morgan State: Underdogs with Upside

Morgan State enters the game following a 6–6 season in 2024 and is led by head coach Damon Wilson, now in his fourth year at the helm. The Bears feature the MEAC's Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year-running back Jason Collins Jr. and linebacker Erick Hunter-both of whom will be central to their game plan.

Statistically, Morgan State struggled on offense last season, ranking 98th in the FCS with 312.3 yards per game and 105th in passing (162.7 yards per game). Their defense was more respectable, allowing 356 yards per game (52nd) and ranking 36th in scoring defense (23.3 points allowed per game).

The Bears' Achilles heel was third-down efficiency, converting just 15.4% of their attempts-93rd in the FCS. Against a fast-paced South Alabama offense, that could spell trouble if they can't sustain drives.

What to Watch For

• Davenport's Command: How well Bishop Davenport manages the offense will be a key indicator of South Alabama's season trajectory.

• Transfer Impact: With so many new faces, expect rotations and substitutions as the coaching staff evaluates chemistry and performance.

• Defensive Identity: Windham's aggressive philosophy will be tested early. Can the Jaguars swarm to the ball and force turnovers?

Series History and Stakes

This will be the first-ever meeting between South Alabama and Morgan State. The Jaguars are 11–1 against FCS opponents since becoming a full Division I member, and tonight's game offers a chance to extend that dominance.

With tougher matchups looming-Tulane, Auburn, Coastal Carolina-South Alabama needs a strong start to build momentum. For Morgan State, it's an opportunity to challenge an FBS program and sharpen their edge before diving into MEAC competition.