In a statement raising the stakes for the upcoming SWAC football season, Herman Brister III declared Southern will conquer the best of the SWAC.
“At the end of the day, if we’re not winning a SWAC Championship, it doesn’t matter,” he said.
Brister’s remarks were interpreted as a direct challenge to his team and rivals across the league, especially perennial contender Jackson State, whom the Jaguars have lost five straight games to dating back to 2021. “It’s going to be different when we play Jackson and FAMU,” he added, signaling his squad’s determination to dethrone the Tigers, who have long set the standard in the conference.
“At the end of the day, if we’re not winning a SWAC Championship, it doesn’t matter.”
“It’s going to be different when we play Jackson (State) and FAMU.”#Southern safety Herman Brister III on being named to the Preseason All-SWAC Second Team Defense and using last year’s SWAC… pic.twitter.com/NDFBibF6N8
— Brendon Fairbairn (@FairbairnTV) July 30, 2025
The Jaguars have echoed Brister’s championship-or-bust mentality in the offseason. Observers note that Southern, recently bolstered by the arrival of ex-LSU running back Trey Holly, enters the season with both high expectations and heightened pressure to deliver results.
“The focus is clear—anything short of a SWAC title isn’t enough,” said Brister. His words have infused the preseason with new energy, and Southern fans and rivals are circling the date for their matchup against Jackson State, which is viewed as a pivotal contest in the conference championship race.
As preseason camp gets underway, all eyes are now on whether the bold proclamation will translate into the success and the trophy that defines a true contender in SWAC football.