Josh Hubbard, the Mississippi State basketball standout who has topped the Bulldogs’ scoring chart for three straight years, announced that he will return for a fourth season, cementing his commitment to the program and to head coach Chris Jans.
Loyalty as a Recruiting Magnet
His decision, rooted in loyalty to both the team and Jans, places him just 195 points shy of the school’s all‑time scoring record, a milestone that has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike.
The 2026‑27 roster will feature seven newcomers via the transfer portal and three freshmen, yet Hubbard and sophomore forward King Grace remain the only players who saw action in the previous campaign, providing a core of experience amid the upheaval.
New arrivals such as Seton Hall guard Tajuan Simpkins and Utah forward Kendyl Sanders have explicitly cited Hubbard’s presence and leadership as decisive factors in their own transfer choices, underscoring his influence beyond the court.
The Bulldogs open the season on November 2 against Tennessee Tech, a game that will mark the first step of what many expect to be a record‑chasing journey for Hubbard.
Having averaged a career‑high 22.1 points per game in the 2025‑26 season, Hubbard’s blend of scoring prowess and steadfast loyalty positions him as a cornerstone for Mississippi State’s ambitions both on and off the hardwood.