The Southern Miss Golden Eagles represents the University of Southern Mississippi in NCAA Division I sports competitions. Before the Golden Eagles were selected by a student and alumni vote in 1972, the school's sports teams went by a number of different names, including the Tigers, the Yellow Jackets, the Confederates and the Southerners. With an illustrious history playing in the NCAA, the Golden Eagles have competed in several bowl games and conference championships, and have produced several All-American athletes, such as former NFL quarterback Brett Favre and former NFL punter Ray Guy.
