After a three-interception, six-tackle performance against Arkansas State, Southern Miss defensive back Josh Moten has been named Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week.
Moten, a redshirt senior from Marshall who joined the Golden Eagles alongside first-year coach Charles Huff, notched two of his picks in the second quarter and then another in the third quarter. His final interception of the day was made in the end zone to thwart an Arkansas State touchdown in what ended up being a one-score, 27-21 win for Southern Miss.
Best Defensive Player in the Sun Belt is a Golden Eagle 🗣️❕@thareal_2 | #SMTTT pic.twitter.com/uZy5e4x3Ah
— Southern Miss Football (@SouthernMissFB) November 10, 2025
Moten’s hat trick was the first by a Southern Miss player since Etric Pruitt tallied that many against Army in 2002.
Moten, who some analysts believe has first-day potential in next year’s NFL Draft, now has five interceptions on the season. His six tackles against Arkansas State increased his total tackle number to 43 on the season, a career high. He’s been a centerpiece to a Golden Eagle defense that ranks No. 1 in the nation in interceptions (20) and turnover margin (1.78).
Southern Miss (7-2, 5-0 Sun Belt) is off to its best start to conference play since 2003 and is eligible for postseason play for the first time since 2022. The Golden Eagles currently sit in the Sun Belt West’s top spot and are looking to play in a conference championship for the first time since 2015, when they were part of CUSA.
Next up for Southern Miss will be a home game against Texas State on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
