Look, being a fan of the Jags isn't always for the faint of heart, but this season is definitely keeping things interesting. If you've been checking the south alabama basketball schedule lately, you know we're right in the thick of Sun Belt play, and the Mitchell Center is starting to feel like a real fortress again. Coach Richie Riley has this team playing with a specific kind of "Mobile grit" that’s fun to watch, even if it occasionally gives us all a little gray hair during those close four-minute warnings.
Right now, the team is sitting at a solid 12-5 overall record with a 3-2 mark in the conference. That puts them right in the mix for a top-four seed if they can keep this momentum going. Honestly, after a few up-and-down years, seeing this group compete at the top of the standings feels right. They aren't just winning; they’re winning the games they’re supposed to, which has historically been the hurdle for this program.
The Mid-Season Grind: Upcoming Games to Watch
We are entering the most critical stretch of the year. If you're looking at the south alabama basketball schedule for the rest of January, there are a few dates you absolutely have to circle in red ink.
The Jags are coming off a big win against Georgia Southern (87-71) where Adam Olsen was absolutely on fire, dropping 22 points. But looking ahead, the road doesn't get any easier. We've got a massive home stand coming up before a brutal two-game trip to the Virginias.
- January 15 (Tonight): vs. Arkansas State. This is a battle for positioning. The Red Wolves are 12-5 too. It’s a 5:00 PM tip-off at the Mitchell Center. If you can't make it to the Mitch, it's on ESPN+.
- January 17: vs. Louisiana. The Ragin' Cajuns have struggled this year (4-15), but they always play South Alabama tough. Do not sleep on this game. It starts at 1:00 PM.
- January 22: at James Madison. This is the big one. Heading up to Harrisonburg is never easy, and the Dukes are always a problem. 4:00 PM tip.
- January 24: at Marshall. This is a tough turnaround after the JMU game. The Thundering Herd are 11-6 and very loud in that Cam Henderson Center. 1:00 PM tip.
Basically, if the Jags can go 3-1 over this next four-game stretch, people are going to start talking about them as a serious Sun Belt title contender.
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Why This Roster Feels Different
It isn’t just about the dates on the south alabama basketball schedule; it’s about the guys wearing the jerseys. Chaze Harris has been a revelation. The senior guard is averaging 16.6 points per game, but it's his 4.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds that really tell the story. He’s the engine. When Chaze is aggressive, South Alabama is a nightmare to guard.
Then you have Adam Olsen. He’s been lights out from the perimeter, averaging 16.8 points. Having a 6'8" junior who can stretch the floor like that opens everything up for Peyton Law and Stephen Williams underneath. Speaking of Williams, the 6'9" sophomore from Atmore has been a beast on the glass lately. He had 13 rebounds against Troy earlier this month. That kind of interior presence is what was missing last year.
The rotation has tightened up, too. Coach Riley seems to have settled on a core group of about eight guys who really understand their roles. You've got Randy Brady doing the dirty work—averaging 7 boards a game—and Brian Hawthorne providing some spark off the bench. It's a balanced group that doesn't rely on one person to do everything.
Navigating the Sun Belt Standings
The Sun Belt is a gauntlet this year. There is no other way to put it.
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Troy is currently leading the pack at 5-1 in the conference, with Georgia Southern and Arkansas State right behind at 4-1. South Alabama is currently 5th at 3-2. The margin for error is razor-thin. One bad weekend on the road and you're suddenly looking at a 7th or 8th seed in the tournament.
But here’s the thing: South Alabama’s defense is actually legit this year. They are giving up only about 67 points per game, which ranks in the top 100 nationally. In a league where everyone wants to run and gun, the Jags' ability to slow people down and win ugly is a massive advantage. They’ve already proven they can win on the road (5-4 record away from home), which is usually the death of Sun Belt teams.
Key Stat Leaders for the Jags
- Scoring: Adam Olsen (16.8 PPG)
- Rebounding: Randy Brady (7.0 RPG)
- Assists: Chaze Harris (4.7 APG)
- Field Goal %: Chaze Harris (.485)
Looking Toward February and Beyond
When you look at the tail end of the south alabama basketball schedule, February is going to be a month of "revenge" games. We have Buffalo coming to Mobile on February 7th for a non-conference break, which is a weird but fun addition to the schedule.
The real test comes at the very end of February. The Jags finish with three straight home games against Texas State, Troy, and Southern Miss. Imagine the atmosphere in the Mitchell Center if the Sun Belt regular-season title is on the line during that Troy game on February 21st. It could be one of the biggest games in Mobile in a decade.
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The ultimate goal, as always, is Pensacola. The Sun Belt Tournament is where dreams go to live or die. With the way this team is defending and sharing the ball, they have as good a shot as anyone to be the one cutting down the nets in March.
How to Follow the Jags
If you aren't going to the games, you've got to stay locked in. Most of the games on the south alabama basketball schedule are broadcast on ESPN+, but the occasional big matchup might get flexed.
If you're a local, honestly, just get to the Mitchell Center. There’s something special about college hoops in a mid-major town when the team is actually good. The student section has been much better this year, and the energy is contagious. Tickets are usually pretty affordable, especially compared to what you’d pay for a game over in Tuscaloosa or Auburn.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official USA Jaguars website and download the digital schedule to your phone so you don't miss a tip-off.
- Check the Standings Weekly: Don't just look at the Jags' record; keep an eye on Troy and Arkansas State. Their losses are just as important as our wins right now.
- Get Your Tickets Early: For the Troy game on February 21, don't wait. That one will sell out or at least get very close to it.
- Watch the Injury Report: Pay attention to Chaze Harris’s minutes. If he’s healthy and fresh, this team is a different animal.
The road to the NCAA Tournament is never easy for a Sun Belt team, but the 2025-26 Jaguars are making a very strong case. Keep showing up, keep wearing the red and blue, and let's see how far this ride goes.