The 2022 South Alabama Jaguars football team represented the University of South Alabama in the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Jaguars competed as members of the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference and played their home games at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The team was led by second‑year head coach Kane Wommack.
Season overview
- Overall record: 4 wins – 8 losses
- Sun Belt record: 3 wins – 5 losses (fourth place in the West Division)
- Head coach: Kane Wommack (2nd season)
- Offensive coordinator: J. J. Michael (1st season)
- Defensive coordinator: Corey Barlow (2nd season)
The Jaguars opened the season against a nationally ranked opponent and finished with a sub‑ .500 record, missing eligibility for a postseason bowl game. South Alabama’s offense was anchored by senior transfer quarterback Jake Bentley, while the defense featured standout linebacker Marques Rivers, who was later named to the All‑Sun Belt second team.
Schedule and results
| Week | Date | Opponent | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 3 | at No. 3 Alabama | Bryant–Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL | L 41–20 |
| 2 | Sep 10 | at Kentucky | Kroger Field, Lexington, KY | L 31–17 |
| 3 | Sep 17 | vs. Central Arkansas | Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL | W 38–13 |
| 4 | Sep 24 | at Louisiana (Louisiana–Monroe) | Cajun Field, Monroe, LA | L 28–19 |
| 5 | Oct 1 | vs. Arkansas State | Hancock Whitney Stadium | W 38–28 |
| 6 | Oct 8 | at Texas State | Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, TX | W 28–7 |
| 7 | Oct 15 | vs. Georgia State | Hancock Whitney Stadium | L 31–19 |
| 8 | Oct 22 | at Troy | Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy, AL | L 31–28 |
| 9 | Oct 29 | vs. Southern Miss | Hancock Whitney Stadium | L 31–17 |
| 10 | Nov 5 | at James Madison | Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, VA | L 44–38 |
| 11 | Nov 12 | vs. Coastal Carolina | Hancock Whitney Stadium | L 31–19 |
| 12 | Nov 19 | at Louisiana–Monroe | Malone Stadium, Monroe, LA | W 28–24 |
Note: Scores are presented with South Alabama’s points first.
Notable players
- Jake Bentley – Quarterback – Transferred from Utah State; led the team with 2,896 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.
- De’Von Smith – Running back – Rushed for 619 yards and 5 touchdowns.
- Marques Rivers – Linebacker – Recorded 92 total tackles and was selected to the All‑Sun Belt second team.
- Ja’Quavon “JJ” Chavis – Wide receiver – Tallied 62 receptions for 773 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Awards and honors
- All‑Sun Belt Conference selections:
- Marques Rivers (LB) – Second team
- Jake Bentley (QB) – Honorable mention
Postseason
With a 4–8 record, the Jaguars did not meet the minimum win threshold for bowl eligibility and therefore did not participate in a postseason bowl game.
References
- The University of South Alabama athletics official releases (2022 season).
- Sun Belt Conference statistical archives (2022).
- NCAA Division I FBS records, 2022 season.
