Building a Pipeline: Southern University Lands Top Talent on National Signing Day

Baton Rouge, LA - As the head coach of the Southern University Jaguars, legendary NFL star Marshall Faulk is on a mission to restore the program's recruiting prowess and reconnect with the rich football traditions of Louisiana's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). On this year's National Signing Day, Faulk and his staff delivered what he calls their "best" recruiting class in recent memory, inking 24 talented prospects from across the state.

"Usually you get that next tier — the guys that don't go to LSU, but don't want to leave the state," Faulk said. "They'll go to a Southern. But we weren't getting that out of Baton Rouge or New Orleans. We've got to bring those kids back home so they have that experience."

The Jaguars' 2026 signing class is headlined by a bevy of in-state transfers and standouts, including Vashaun Coulon, the quarterback from St. Augustine High School who threw for 3,165 yards and 50 touchdowns as a senior. Coulon's teammate, linebacker Chad Jones Jr. - the son of former LSU standout Chad Jones - also committed to Southern.

Faulk, a New Orleans native who starred at San Diego State before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said taking the Southern job was about making a meaningful impact in his home state. "I'm all about my impact — where I can have the most reach," he explained. "This just fit. I'm not the guy who chooses the easiest thing. I know what Southern means to this state, and it wasn't meeting those standards.

"Helping Coach Prime recruit opened my eyes. When I saw a kid accept a scholarship and his parent start crying, it hit me — that was me once. That's impact. That's purpose."

Building a Strong Foundation

Faulk has assembled a coaching staff filled with Louisiana natives who understand the state's high school football landscape, including Ben Miles, the son of former LSU head coach Les Miles, and longtime coach Curtis Johnson of St. Rose. This local familiarity is vital to the Jaguars' blueprint for success.

"We want to recruit in-state," Faulk said. "We want guys who understand the landscape — and the rich history of Southern football. If not, it's just another HBCU."

As Faulk embarks on his tenure, he's also calling on the Southern community to show up and support the team, both financially and through their presence and engagement.

"We need bodies," Faulk said. "Show up. Let us know when we're doing good and when we're doing bad. These kids are still learning how to grow up. We just want to guide them the right way."

Ultimately, Faulk's vision for Southern extends beyond just winning football games. He aims to develop players who leave the university ready for success in life, whether that means pursuing a professional football career, a corporate job, or leading a family.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.