Mississippi State's women's basketball program, which fell short of the NCAA Tournament last season after an 18‑13 record, is poised for a rebound as it heads into the new campaign with a core group of players intact.
Retention Strategy
Both forwards return to the Bulldogs, bringing double‑digit scoring and dominant rebounding. Madison Francis averaged 13.2 points and 2.8 blocks per game, while Favour Nwaedozi posted a double‑double of 12.2 points and 10.0 rebounds.
Coach Sam Purcell emphasized that the decision was driven by a combination of donor contributions and the expanding name, image and likeness (NIL) landscape, which together signal institutional confidence in the program.
The roster also welcomes four transfers and a mix of freshmen and junior‑college signees, though Purcell noted the team is still exploring options to add another piece before the season opener.
Looking Ahead
With the support of Mississippi State University and its fan base, the Bulldogs aim to translate this stability into a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. The program's resurgence also reflects a broader push to elevate women's basketball within the conference and nationally.
Recruits such as Zac Selmon, Aryss Macktoon, Reese Beaty, Cali Smallwood, Macie Phifer and Sam Sklar add depth, while the coaching staff continues to monitor the market for a final addition that could tip the balance.