2023 Georgia Southern Eagles football team

American college football season

2023 Georgia Southern Eagles football

Conference| Sun Belt Conference
Division| East Division
Record| 6–3 (3–2 Sun Belt)
Head coach|

* Clay Helton (2nd season)

Offensive coordinator| Bryan Ellis (2nd season)
Defensive coordinator| Brandon Bailey (1st season)
Home stadium| Paulson Stadium
(capacity: 25,000)

Seasons

<- 2022

2024 ->

2023 Sun Belt Conference football standings

* v
* t
* e

| Conf |  |  | Overall

|
|
|
|

Team |  | W |  | L |  |  |  |  | W |  | L |
East Division
James Madison* x  |  | 6  | - | 0  |  |  |  |  | 9  | - | 0  |
Coastal Carolina |  | 4  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 6  | - | 3  |
Georgia Southern |  | 3  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 6  | - | 3  |
Appalachian State |  | 3  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 5  | - | 4  |
Georgia State |  | 3  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 6  | - | 3  |
Old Dominion |  | 3  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 4  | - | 5  |
Marshall |  | 1  | - | 4  |  |  |  |  | 4  | - | 5  |
West Division
Troy |  | 4  | - | 1  |  |  |  |  | 7  | - | 2  |
Texas State |  | 3  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 6  | - | 3  |
Arkansas State |  | 3  | - | 2  |  |  |  |  | 5  | - | 4  |
Louisiana |  | 2  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 5  | - | 4  |
South Alabama |  | 2  | - | 3  |  |  |  |  | 4  | - | 5  |
Southern Miss |  | 1  | - | 5  |  |  |  |  | 2  | - | 7  |
Louisiana–Monroe |  | 0  | - | 6  |  |  |  |  | 2  | - | 7  |
Championship: December 2, 2023

* $ - Conference champion
* x - Division champion/co-champions
* y - Championship game participant
* * – Ineligible for postseason play due to FCS-to-FBS transition rules

As of November 8, 2023
Rankings from CFP Rankings

The 2023 Georgia Southern Eagles football team represents Georgia Southern University during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Eagles play their home games at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia, and compete in the East Division of the Sun Belt Conference. The team is coached by second-year Head Coach Clay Helton.[1]

## Preseason[edit]

### Recruiting class[edit]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes  Name  | Hometown  | High school / college  | Height  | Weight  | 40‡ | Commit date

|
|
|
|
|
|

Beau Allen
QB |  | Tarleton | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)  | 203 lb (92 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Jshawn Anderson
RB | Hartsville, SC | Hartsville HS | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)  | 190 lb (86 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: ESPN grade: 74
Jaylon Barden
ATH |  | Pitt | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)  | 180 lb (82 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Davis Brin
QB | Boerne, TX | Champion HS
Tulsa | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)  | 181 lb (82 kg)  | –  | Jan 2, 2023
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports:
Bryson Broadway
OT | Dawsonville, GA | Dawson County HS
Georgia State | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)  | 275 lb (125 kg)  | –  | Dec 12, 2022
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
DeAndre Buchannon
WR | Atlanta, GA | Carver HS | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)  | 160 lb (73 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 74
Chris Carter
OT | Garden City, KS | Garden City CC | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)  | 280 lb (130 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Kenneth Dorsey
WR | Evans, GA | Evans HS | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)  | 194 lb (88 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Davon Ferguson
CB |  | Bowling Green | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)  | 190 lb (86 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Jacob Ferguson
DL | Council Bluffs, IA | Iowa Western CC | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 245 lb (111 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
JC French
QB |  | Memphis | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)  | 200 lb (91 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Davon Gilmore
LB |  |  | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 233 lb (106 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Damel Hickman
CB |  | East Carolina | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)  | 180 lb (82 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Ayden Jackson
WR | Marietta, GA | Walton HS  | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)  | 175 lb (79 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Matthew James
EDGE | Jupiter, FL | Jupiter Christian School | 6 ft 6.5 in (1.99 m)  | 215 lb (98 kg)  | –  | Aug 12, 2022
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Will Johnson
EDGE | Tucker, GA | Tucker HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 225 lb (102 kg)  | –  | Jul 29, 2022
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Alijah Lacey
EDGE | Bloomingdale, GA | New Hampstead HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)  | 210 lb (95 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Tarian Lee Jr.
LB |  | Texas A&M | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)  | 233 lb (106 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Caimon Mathis
DB | DeSoto, TX | DeSoto HS | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)  | 175 lb (79 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Jaden Mikhael
TE | Niceville, FL | Niceville HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)  | 231 lb (105 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Bryson Norris
IOL | Coffeyville, KS | Coffeyville CC | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)  | 330 lb (150 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Anthony Queeley
WR | Orlando, FL | Lake Nona HS
Syracuse | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)  | 195 lb (88 kg)  | –  | Dec 18, 2022
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Branden Palmer
EDGE | Cornelius, NC | William Amos Hough HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)  | 205 lb (93 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Troy Pikes
DL | Atlanta, GA | Mays HS  | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 270 lb (120 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Kebba Secka
DL | Lithia Springs, GA | Lithia Springs Comprehensive HS  | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 235 lb (107 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Alex Smith
P | Melbourne, Australia | ProKick Australia | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)  | 220 lb (100 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Matthew Smith
IOL | Harlem, GA | Harlem HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)  | 300 lb (140 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
TJ Smith
S | Powder Springs, GA | McEachern HS
Kansas State | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)  | 190 lb (86 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Keaton Upshaw
TE |  | Kentucky | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)  | 225 lb (102 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Keion Wallace
WR | Springfield, GA | Effingham County HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 210 lb (95 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Coby Walton
QB | Nolensville, TN | Nolensville HS | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)  | 180 lb (82 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Elijah Walton
ATH | Citra, FL | North Marion HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)  | 210 lb (95 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Jamari Whitehead
LB | Jacksonville, FL | Raines HS  | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)  | 210 lb (95 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Cameron Williams
S |  | Washington | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)  | 205 lb (93 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Ethan Williams
IOL | Orange Park, FL | Fleming Island HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)  | 285 lb (129 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports:
Matthew Williams
OL | Appling, GA | Harlem HS | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)  | 300 lb (140 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Robert Wright
IOL | Stockbridge, GA | Stockbridge HS | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)  | 285 lb (129 kg)  | –  |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A

Source:[2][3][4]

### Media poll[edit]

In the Sun Belt preseason coaches' poll, the Eagles were picked to finish in fifth place in the East division.[5]

Media poll (East division)

Predicted finish  | Team  | Votes (1st place)
1 | James Madison | 78 (4)
2 | Appalachian State | 75 (4)
3 | Coastal Carolina | 71 (1)
4 | Marshall | 68 (1)
5 | Georgia Southern | 52 (1)
6 | Georgia State | 31
7 | Old Dominion | 17

Offensive lineman Khalil Crowder, wide receiver Khaleb Hood, and linebacker Marques Watson-Trent were named to the preseason All-Sun Belt first team. Tight end Jjay Mcafee was named to the second team.[5]

## Personnel[edit]

2023 Georgia Southern Eagles football team roster

Players  | Coaches
Offense | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

WR | `1` | Jaylon Barden | Sr
WR | `2` | Derwin Burgess Jr. |  Jr
WR | `4` | Anthony Queeley |
QB | `5` | Davis Brin |
TE | `6` | Keaton Upshaw |
WR | `7` | Khaleb Hood |
TE | `9` | Jjay Mcafee |
QB | `10` | David Dallas |  Fr
TE | `11` | Beau Johnson |  Sr
QB | `12` | JC French |  Fr
QB | `13` | Coby Walton | Fr
WR | `14` | Sam Kenerson |  Jr
WR | `15` | DeAndre Buchannon | Fr
QB | `16` | Colton FitzGerald |  So
WR | `17` | Dalen Cobb | So
WR | `18` | KD Dorsey | Fr
QB | `19` | Beau Allen |  Jr
WR | `19` | Josh Dallas |  Fr
RB | `20` | Terrance Gibbs |  Fr
WR | `21` | Marcus Sanders Jr. | So
RB | `22` | OJ Arnold | So
RB | `23` | Tyler Jordan |  Sr
WR | `24` | Joshua Thompson | So
RB | `25` | Jalen White | Sr
WR | `26` | Keion Wallace | Fr
TE | `27` | Ethan Dirrim | Sr
RB | `28` | J'Shawn Anderson | Fr
RB | `29` | Jamarian Samuel | Jr
WR | `30` | Alex Bowen |  Jr
RB | `31` | David Mbadinga | Fr
RB | `33` | Robert Edwards III |  Fr
RB | `35` | Terron Dixon II |  Sr
WR | `38` | Kevin Douglas | Fr
TE | `48` | Dylan Snyder |  So
OL | `51` | Matthew Williams | Fr
OL | `55` | Ethan Williams | Fr
OL | `56` | Brian Miller |
OL | `57` | Chandler Strong |  Fr
OL | `58` | Aaron Pyron |  Sr
OL | `60` | Rasheed Miller |  Jr
OL | `62` | Bryce Miller | Fr
OL | `64` | Caelan Williams |  Jr
OL | `66` | Johnnie Brown III |  Fr
OL | `68` | Nate Lewis |  Fr
OL | `70` | Korbett MacGregor |  Fr
OL | `71` | Robert Wright Jr. | Fr
OL | `72` | Khalil Crowder |
OL | `74` | Pichon Wimbley | So
OL | `75` | Bryson Broadway | Sr
OL | `76` | CK Carter | So
OL | `77` | Griffin Carder |  Sr
OL | `78` | Caleb Cook |  So
WR | `80` | Saan Lewis |
WR | `81` | Parker Self |  Jr
TE | `82` | JP Mikhael | Fr
TE | `83` | Elija Walton | Fr
WR | `84` | Ethan Christian | Fr
WR | `85` | Brooks Pangle |  Fr
WR | `86` | Graeme Williams |  So
TE | `87` | Evan Lester Jr. |  So
WR | `88` | Lawson Bachelder |  Jr
WR | `89` | Taylor Bradshaw | Fr
Defense | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

LB | `1` | Marques Watson-Trent |  Jr
DB | `1` | Jalen Denton |  Jr
DB | `4` | Damel Hickman |
DB | `5` | TJ Smith |  Jr
DB | `6` | Cam Williams |  Sr
LB | `7` | Tarian Lee Jr. |  Sr
LB | `9` | Khadry Jackson |
LB | `11` | Jon Ferguson |
DL | `13` | Isaac Walker |  So
DB | `14` | Prince Green |  So
LB | `15` | Davon Gilmore |  Sr
DB | `16` | Tyrell Davis |  So
DB | `17` | Shemar Bartholomew |
DL | `18` | MJ Stroud |  Fr
DB | `20` | Seth Robertson | Sr
DB | `21` | Caimon Mathis | Fr
DB | `22` | Marc Stampley II | So
DB | `23` | Mari Wingard |
DB | `24` | Tracy Hill Jr. |  Fr
DB | `25` | Ayden Jackson | Fr
DB | `26` | Chase Dial-Watson |  Jr
DB | `27` | Andrew Douglas |  So
DB | `28` | Chandler Dial-Watson |  Jr
DB | `29` | Justin Meyers |  So
DB | `30` | Jack Ferguson |  Jr
DB | `31` | Jaden Martin-Burgess | Fr
DB | `32` | Kevin Speed |  Fr
LB | `33` | Holden Trice | Fr
LB | `34` | Jamari Whitehead | Fr
LB | `35` | Nigel Manns |  Jr
DB | `36` | Treston Jordan |  Fr
LB | `37` | Quincy Darnell |  Sr
LB | `39` | Reid Dedman |  Sr
DL | `42` | Branden Palmer | Fr
LB | `43` | Jacob Hammonds |  Fr
DB | `44` | Jeffrey Smyth |  Sr
DB | `45` | Chris Crouch |  So
DB | `47` | Elijah Hynes |  Fr
LB | `48` | Zack Blackwell |  Fr
DB | `49` | Amar Jenkins |  Fr
DL | `50` | Johnathan Douglas |  Jr
DL | `51` | Kebba Secka | Fr
DL | `52` | Jacob Ferguson |  Jr
DL | `53` | Trevon Locke |  Jr
DL | `57` | Latrell Bullard | So
DL | `79` | Weston Wallace |  Jr
DL | `88` | Justin Rhodes |  Jr
DL | `90` | Da'Shawn Davis | So
DL | `91` | Davion Rhodes |  So
DL | `92` | Kristian Varner |  Sr
DL | `93` | Troy Pikes | Fr
DL | `94` | Elhadj Fall |  Fr
DL | `95` | Alijah Lacey | Fr
DL | `96` | Lonnie Leverette |  So
DL | `97` | Myles Winslow |  So
DL | `98` | Tyler Padgett | Fr
DL | `99` | Kierron Smith |  Sr
Special teams | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

P | `82` | Matthew Daniel |  Sr
LS | `89` | Jackson Wheeler |  Sr
P | `90` | Alex Smith | Fr
LS | `93` | Gaines Wood |  Fr
LS | `94` | Collin Springer |
LS | `95` | Mark Langston |  Sr
K | `96` | Chase Folser |  Fr
K | `97` | Brendan Franke | Sr
K | `98` | Michael Lantz |  Sr
P | `99` | Walker Bradberry |  So

Head coach

* Clay Helton (Houston)

Coordinators/assistant coaches

* Kevin Whitley (Georgia Southern)
Cornerbacks

* Brandon Bailey (Georgia Southern)
Defensive coordinator/linebackers

* Bryan Ellis (UAB)
Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks

* Ryan Aplin (Arkansas State)
Tight ends/Inside receivers/Pass game coordinator

* Darius Eubanks (Georgia Southern)
Safeties and nickels

* BJ Johnson (Georgia Southern)
Wide receivers

* Taylor Reed (Central Arkansas)
Running backs

* Rip Rowan (Austin Peay)
Defensive line

* Turner West (Memphis)
Special teams coordinator

* TJ Woods (Azusa Pacific)
Offensive line/Run game coordinator

* * *

Legend

* (C) Team captain
* (S) Suspended
* (I) Ineligible

* Injured
* Redshirt

* * *

Roster
Last update: 3 September 2023

## Schedule[edit]

The football schedule was announced February 24, 2023.[6]

Date| Time| Opponent| Site| TV| Result| Attendance

|
|
|
|
|
|

September 2| 6:00 p.m.| The Citadel*|

* Paulson Stadium
* Statesboro, GA

| ESPN+| W 34–0| 17,803
September 9| 6:00 p.m.| UAB*|

* Paulson Stadium
* Statesboro, GA

| ESPN+| W 49–35| 20,103
September 16| 12:00 p.m.| at Wisconsin*|

* Camp Randall Stadium
* Madison, WI

| BTN| L 14–35| 75,610
September 23| 2:00 p.m.| at Ball State*|

* Scheumann Stadium
* Muncie, IN

| ESPN+| W 40–3| 10,118
September 30| 7:00 p.m.| Coastal Carolina|

* Paulson Stadium
* Statesboro, GA

| NFLN| W 38–28| 26,483
October 14| 12:00 p.m.| at James Madison|

* Bridgeforth Stadium
* Harrisonburg, VA

| ESPN2| L 13–41| 25,097
October 21| 2:00 p.m.| Louisiana–Monroe|

* Paulson Stadium
* Statesboro, GA

| ESPN+| W 38–28| 21,068
October 26| 7:30 p.m.| Georgia State|

* Paulson Stadium
* Statesboro, GA (Modern Day Hate)

| ESPN2| W 44–27| 23,389
November 4| 7:00 p.m.| at Texas State|

* Bobcat Stadium
* San Marcos, TX

| ESPN+| L 24–45| 18,204
November 11| 7:00 p.m.| at Marshall|

* Joan C. Edwards Stadium
* Huntington, WV

| NFLN|  |
November 18| 6:00 p.m.| Old Dominion|

* Paulson Stadium
* Statesboro, GA

| ESPN+|  |
November 25| | at Appalachian State|

* Kidd Brewer Stadium
* Boone, NC (rivalry)

| |  |

* *Non-conference game
* Homecoming
* Rankings from AP Poll and CFP Rankings released prior to game
* All times are in Eastern time

## References[edit]

1. ^ "2023 Georgia Southern Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
2. ^ "Georgia Southern Announces December Recruiting Class". Georgia Southern University Athletics. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
3. ^ "Georgia Southern 2023 Football Commits". 247sports.com.
4. ^ "Georgia Southern Adds Two More to Recruiting Class". Georgia Southern University Athletics. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
5. ^ a b "Sun Belt Announces Football Preseason Awards & Poll". sunbeltsports.org. July 24, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
6. ^ "Georgia Southern's 2023 Football Schedule Released". Georgia Southern University. Retrieved February 24, 2023.

* v
* t
* e

Georgia Southern Eagles football

Venues|

* Womack Stadium (1982–1983)
* Paulson Stadium (1984–present)

Bowls & rivalries|

* Bowl games
* Appalachian State
* Georgia State

Culture & lore|

* Freedom
* GUS
* "Georgia Southern Fight Song"
* Southern Pride Marching Band

People|

* Head coaches
* Statistical leaders
* NFL draftees

Seasons|

* 1924
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National championship seasons in bold
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[Conf]: Conference record
*[W]: Wins
*[L]: Losses