“There’s No Place Like Homecoming” has swept the USM community into a weeklong celebration from Oct. 20–25, culminating with the Golden Eagles’ football game against the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
Throughout the week, several activities will take place, including the 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame inductions and the Homecoming parade.
“From themed days and student competitions to the parade and big game, every event is designed to bring our USM community together and celebrate what it means to come home,” said Dr. Sirena Cantrell, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students. “Whether you’re a student, alum or faculty and staff member, Homecoming is a reminder that there’s truly no place like USM.”
This year’s student events include the Kickoff Rally, Bring It On Eagle Style, Pints for Points, Eagle Family Feud, the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show, and the Fountain Sit. The week also invites students to dress up to different themes each day, such as “Wickedly Tired” and “No Place Like Your Clone.”
“Being able to do activities that bring out school spirit with people that have the same energy makes you keep wanting to participate,” Phi Tau member Neri Morales said.
The Homecoming parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 25 and will travel along Hardy Street and through the front of campus. The parade grand marshal this year is Dr. Lachel Story, who has made a positive impact on students throughout her time at USM.
“As an alumni and long-term faculty, the University has certainly been an important part of my life for the last 30 years,” Story said. “I hope to celebrate the University’s impact, not only on my life, on the countless individuals who have had the privilege to walk the halls of this special place.”
After the parade, Eagle Walk will take place at noon, followed by the football game kickoff at 2:30 p.m.
While the game will bring excitement on the field, the celebration will continue at halftime with the presentation of this year’s Homecoming court, featuring Savannah Westacott, Nick Gavin, Rylee Shea Hailer, Aidan Smith, Abby Schmidt, Charles Johnson III, Scottlyn Slay, Caden Reynolds, Mackenzie Brown and Zohaib Chaudhary.
Homecoming queen and king are Kayley Rawls and Jay Fountain, and Miss Southern Miss and Mr. Southern Miss are Olivia Leggett and DeAndre Broach.
From the first event to the final touchdown, Homecoming 2025 reminds the Golden Eagle community that no matter where life leads, there’s always a place to come home to—Southern Miss.
