Mississippi State’s Hubbard, Francis Finalists for Howell and Gillom Trophies

Jackson, Mississippi — Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard and Madison Francis have been named finalists for the 2026 Bailey Howell and Peggy Gillom-Granderson Trophies, announced Tuesday by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

The Howell and Gillom Trophies are awarded annually to the top male and female college basketball players in Mississippi. Hubbard is joined by Daeshun Ruffin of Jackson State and Tylik Weeks of Southern Miss as finalists on the men’s side. On the women’s side, Francis is among finalists along with Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss and Jakaya Johnson of Southern Miss.

Hubbard, a three-time All-SEC selection, is seeking to become the first three-time winner of the Howell Trophy. He has won the award twice previously and helped Mississippi State secure seven of the last eight Howell Trophies since 2017-18. Hubbard has scored 1,947 career points, ranking fourth in school history and 34th among SEC players. He shattered the school’s record with 311 career three-pointers, tied for ninth in SEC history.

This season, Hubbard scored a career-high 46 points against Auburn and added 42 in the regular-season finale versus Georgia. He has also been recognized for off-court community work, including founding a basketball camp and launching a campaign that raised over $75,000 to grant wishes for children in Mississippi.

Francis, a standout for Mississippi State, earned All-SEC Freshman and Defensive Team honors this season. She averaged 13.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and led NCAA players with 2.8 blocks per game. Francis recorded seven double-doubles and scored a season-high 30 points in a game against Alabama State. Her defensive prowess has made her one of the top freshmen in the SEC.

The awards ceremony will take place during a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on April 15 at the Golden Moon Casino at Pearl River Resort. Tickets are available online at msfame.com.

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