Josh Moten brings flexibility to a revamped Golden Eagle secondary
One of the top two best portal acquisitions made by Head Coach Charles Huff and staff was bringing Cornerback Josh Moten, who is on the 2025 Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist, with them to Southern Miss. Many believe he was the top CB in the portal heading into the 2026 season. Moten had many places wanting his services including multiple P4 schools. Moten credits his relationship with Coach Huff, the culture he creates, and the environment at Southern Miss with him transferring to become a Golden Eagle. Southern Miss fans are happy he is here and excited to see “Moten Island” open for buisness during the 2026 season.
Coach Huff and Defensive Coordinator Jason Semore already know type of CB they are getting in Moten. There is a trust factor there that allows them to put Moten on an opposition’s best WR and not have another member of the secondary shade to his side and help out. This will allow for the Nickel Back (hybrid LB/DB in Semore’s 4-2-5 scheme) and other DB’s to be freed up to do multiple things and cause havoc on offenses. This is a gift not many defenses in the SBC really possess. Not to mention, Moten’s ability to take team’s #1 WR off the board is invaluable too.
Moten was not the only DB transfer to Southern Miss from Marshall. Potential starters Anthony Richard Jr., Ahmere Foster, and Ian Foster, along with Ishamel Ibraheem, Guylijah Theodule, MaLik Caswell, and Corey Myrick all made the move to Hattiesburg. Why is this important? These guys have known and played together for quite some time now. There is a comfortability the comes with reps on the practice field. Josh Battle is the lone transfer, not from Marshall, that should see playing time. Early in a season, especially in the portal era, where teams are rebuilding what seems like every every season, continuity and familiarity are key. These guys know what Coach Semore wants to do, and what is expected of them. That should put them ahead of most teams early in in the schedule. Communication is key to a solid secondary and this group should have no issues with that once the season starts.
“Moten Island” opens for buisness on August 30th as Southern Miss welcomes Mississippi State to The Rock for an 11 a.m. kickoff. There is a buzz once again around Southern Miss and in Hattiesburg thanks to guys like Moten who took a chance and transferred to Southern Miss.
