The 1978–79 South Alabama Jaguars basketball team represented the University of South Alabama during the 1978–79 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.

The Jaguars were led by head coach Cliff Ellis, in his fourth year as head coach.

They played their home games at the Mobile Civic Center, and were members of the Sun Belt Conference.

They were upset by Jacksonville in the Sun Belt tournament, but did receive an at-large bid to the 1979 NCAA tournament as the No.

In the second round, the Jaguars lost to Louisville, 69–66.