Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard Wins Record-Breaking 3rd Howell Trophy

Bulldog guard becomes first player to earn top Mississippi college basketball award three times.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:23pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, gestural brushstrokes in vibrant neon colors, conceptually representing the scoring prowess and athletic dominance of a college basketball player.A dynamic, neon-hued painting celebrates the record-breaking scoring achievements of Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard, who has become the first player to win the state's top college basketball award three times.Mississippi State Today

Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard has won the Bailey Howell Trophy for the third consecutive season, making him the first player in history to achieve the feat. Hubbard, a junior, led the Bulldogs in scoring with 22.1 points per game and recorded two 40-point performances and a 46-point outing during the 2025-26 campaign.

Why it matters

Hubbard's three-peat accomplishment cements his status as one of the greatest college basketball players in Mississippi history. Despite his individual success, the Bulldogs struggled as a team last season, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time under head coach Chris Jans.

The details

Hubbard shot 42.2% from the field and 34.7% from three-point range last season. He also averaged 3.6 assists per game and earned his third consecutive All-SEC honor. With 1,947 career points, Hubbard ranks fourth on Mississippi State's all-time scoring list, trailing only Jeff Malone, Bailey Howell, and Quinndary Weatherspoon.

  • Hubbard won the Howell Trophy in both his freshman and sophomore seasons.
  • He received the award for the third time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Josh Hubbard

A junior guard for the Mississippi State Bulldogs who has won the Bailey Howell Trophy, given to the top men's college basketball player in Mississippi, for three consecutive seasons.

Chris Jans

The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who has led the team for the past four seasons.

Jeff Malone

A former Mississippi State basketball player who holds the school's all-time scoring record.

Bailey Howell

The namesake of the trophy awarded to the top men's college basketball player in Mississippi, and a former Mississippi State player.

Quinndary Weatherspoon

A former Mississippi State basketball player who ranks third on the school's all-time scoring list.

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What they’re saying

“Josh Hubbard has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in Mississippi State history with this unprecedented three-peat. His individual accomplishments are truly remarkable, and we're proud to honor him with the Howell Trophy once again.”

— Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Representative, Presenter of the Howell Trophy

What’s next

Hubbard has not yet announced whether he will return to Mississippi State for his senior season or explore other options, such as entering the NBA Draft. The deadline for him to enter the transfer portal is next week.

The takeaway

Hubbard's historic three-peat achievement solidifies his status as one of the greatest college basketball players in Mississippi history, even as his team struggled to reach the NCAA Tournament. His individual dominance and scoring prowess have left an indelible mark on the state's basketball landscape.