Southern Miss Fan Post Sparks Racist Controversy Ahead Jackson State Game

Ahead of the college football game between Jackson State University (JSU) and Southern Miss, a Southern Miss fan group named Eagle Post posted a racially offensive list of so-called "rules" targeting JSU fans, incorporating long-standing racist stereotypes about Black culture, including references to fried chicken, rap music, and derogatory remarks about behavior and appearance. The post, created by a newly made account named "Rye Stanford," was deleted after receiving widespread backlash from both Jackson State and Southern Miss supporters, as well as the broader HBCU community. Despite calls for Southern Miss to condemn the post, the university and its athletic department had not issued an official response, even as Southern Miss is coached by Charles Huff, an HBCU alumnus from Hampton University. In response to the incident, the presidents of both Jackson State and Southern Miss released a joint statement promoting respect, pride, and a safe environment for all fans attending the game. Jackson State, a historically Black college with a passionate fanbase and strong football tradition, has historically drawn large crowds to these matchups despite losses to Southern Miss in their previous meetings. The upcoming game is expected to attract another substantial crowd, highlighting the ongoing significance of HBCU football culture amid challenges from such racially charged incidents.