Southern Miss volleyball head coach Jenny Hazelwood unveiled the team's 2026 schedule, featuring 27 matches, including 16 Sun Belt Conference games. The season kicks off with exhibition matches before the regular season begins with the Cocky Classic in Alabama. Key events include the Southern Miss Invitational in September and a trip to the Sun Belt Conference tournament in November, where the top teams will compete for a chance to enter the NCAA tournament. Hazelwood expressed excitement over the challenging mix of nonconference and conference matchups designed to enhance player development. Fans can renew or purchase season tickets starting June 30, providing access to the anticipated matches.

By the Numbers
  • 27 total matches scheduled in the 2026 season.
  • 16 Sun Belt Conference games are included in the schedule.
Yes, But

While the schedule includes strong competition, some may argue that the lack of home matches in early season could affect team momentum. Additionally, the heavy reliance on the performance in the Sun Belt Conference raises questions about the balance between building a strong nonconference record and succeeding in conference play.

State of Play
  • The team enters its fifth season under Coach Hazelwood, focusing on player development.
  • Exhibition matches are set to begin in August, giving fans a sneak peek of the upcoming season.
What's Next

The Golden Eagles will gear up for their opening matches in late August, with an emphasis on executing their strategic plan to handle tough competitors. Fans can expect a competitive home season starting in September, leading into the Sun Belt Conference tournament in November.

Bottom Line

The 2026 Southern Miss volleyball schedule presents an exciting opportunity for the team to compete at a high level while engaging fans with a strong home slate. Success in both nonconference and conference play will be critical in securing a spot in the NCAA tournament.