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 6:23pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring a basketball player in motion, with their form dissolving into a burst of neon colors and rapid brushstrokes, conveying the raw energy and skill of the athlete.A three-time winner of Mississippi's top college basketball award, Josh Hubbard's scoring dominance is captured in a vibrant, energetic painting.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

Josh Hubbard's historic three-peat as the Howell Trophy winner solidifies his status as one of the elite college basketball players in Mississippi history. However, his individual success was not enough to lift the struggling Bulldogs, who missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time under coach Chris Jans. Hubbard's decision on his future will be a key storyline to follow in the coming weeks.