The 1979–80 South Alabama Jaguars basketball team represented the University of South Alabama during the 1979–80 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.

The Jaguars were led by head coach Cliff Ellis, in his fifth 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 1980 NCAA tournament as the No.

In the opening round, the Jaguars lost to Alcorn State, 70–62.