College football player MJ Daniels killed in shooting; Southern Miss player was 21

The college football community is in mourning after Southern Miss defensive back Marcus “MJ” Daniels was killed in a shooting in Hattiesburg Tuesday night, a coroner said.

Daniels was 21 years old.

“The University of Southern Mississippi and the Athletic Department mourn the loss of MJ Daniels, who was killed in an off-campus incident Tuesday evening,” the university said in a statement.

“We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”

Southern Miss football coach Will Hall and other university officials were present at the scene of the shooting, along with police and emergency personnel, WDAM reported.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of MJ Daniels,” Hall said on X. “His smile was contagious and lit up the room. Please keep MJ’s loved ones and our Southern Miss family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

After transferring to the school from Ole Miss, he was a starting cornerback at Southern Miss last season. Daniels recorded 29 tackles, intercepted three passes and forced two fumbles.

The 6’2″ and 195lb player was scheduled to move to the safety position for the 2024 football season and was expected to be a starting defensive tackle again.

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