Southern Miss safety MJ Daniels, former Ole Miss transfer, dead after late-night shooting in Hattiesburg

Tragedy has struck college football, as a Southern Miss football player was killed following a late-night shooting in Hattiesburg, Miss.

According to The PineBelt News, defensive back Marcus ‘MJ’ Daniels Jr. was killed in a shooting that occurred at about 9 p.m. on June 11. Forrest County coroner Lisa Klem identified the deceased body as Daniels.

Daniels’ body is being sent to the state crime lab in Jackson for an autopsy.

WDAM in Hattieburg reports that Southern Miss coach Will Hall was seen on the scene, along with other USM officials and police and first responders.

Ole Miss director of recruiting strategy Kevin Bolden tweeted about Daniels’ death on Wednesday morning.

“You’ll be missed.. R.I.P MJ,” Bolden wrote. “Sending my prayers & condolences to MJ’s family & friends, the George County Community, & Southern Miss Football.”

On the gridiron, Daniels spent the first two years of his career at Ole Miss after flipping his commitment from Mississippi State late in the process. At the time Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin hailed the move as a terrific late addition for the Rebels, commenting on Daniels’ positional flexibility.

“I think he can play corner, safety or nickel,” Kiffin said. “We talked about all of the spots. He’s a really good player and a really good late get. To have those papers this morning while everybody else was watching his press conference and all that was pretty exciting.”

MJ Daniels appeared in 16 games at Ole Miss. He recorded six tackles and a half sack while with the Rebels.

From there, Daniels transferred to Southern Miss, where he played a more significant role for the Golden Eagles.

During his lone campaign in Hattiesburg in 2023, Daniels played in 12 games and recorded 28 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and seven passes defended.

Prior to enrolling at Ole Miss, MJ Daniels was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 252 overall recruit in the nation in the 20221 class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

He also checked in as the No. 18 safety in the class and the No. 6 overall player from the state of Mississippi, hailing from Lucedale (MS) George County.