A Fresh Start in Starkville
Mississippi State’s basketball program entered the offseason with a 13‑19 record, the worst mark the team has posted since the 2014‑15 campaign. The result forced head coach Chris Jans to overhaul the roster, a task he describes as a necessary rebuild after his first losing season in charge.
Only two players from last year’s squad return: senior guard Josh Hubbard, a three‑time All‑SEC standout who is 195 points shy of the school’s all‑time scoring record, and forward King Grace. Both are expected to anchor a unit that will lean heavily on Hubbard’s scoring prowess.
New Faces on the Roster
To complement Hubbard, Jans has assembled a diverse mix of talent. Seven transfers join the program, among them RJ Johnson from Kennesaw State, who averaged 14.5 points and 4.0 assists last season, and ND Okafor, who contributed 11 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks at Washington State. Tajuan Simpkins, a transfer from Seton Hall, adds 9.7 points per game, while international forward Konstantin Kostadinov brings a fresh perspective from Bulgaria.
The incoming class also features three freshmen and an additional international player, expanding the roster’s depth and versatility. Recruiting analysts have ranked Mississippi State’s 2025 class No. 25 nationally, highlighting three four‑star prospects who could make an immediate impact.
Coach’s Vision
Coach Jans has repeatedly praised the energy and vibe within the locker room, noting that the new pieces have already begun to click. He believes the combination of size, skill and chemistry will translate into a more competitive presence on both ends of the floor. With the new roster in place, the Bulldogs aim to climb out of the lower tier of the SEC and contend for a postseason berth. The upcoming season will serve as a litmus test for Jans’s rebuilding plan, and early indicators suggest the team is poised to take a meaningful step forward.