Hubbard Makes History, McMahon Shines as Mississippi’s Best at 2026 Howell & Gillom Trophy Presentation

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is proud to announce Josh Hubbard of Mississippi State University as the winner of the 2026 Howell Trophy, awarded annually to the state’s top men’s college basketball player, and Cotie McMahon of the University of Mississippi as the recipient of the 2026 Gillom Trophy, honoring Mississippi’s best women’s college basketball player. The prestigious awards were presented today at the Trophy Presentation Luncheon at the Golden Moon, sponsored by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort.

Mississippi State standout Josh Hubbard becomes a three-time Howell Trophy winner, having previously claimed the honor in 2024 and 2025. The junior guard continued his historic run this season, further cementing his place among the program’s all-time greats. Hubbard has now scored nearly 2,000 career points, ranking among the top scorers in Mississippi State and Southeastern Conference history. This season, he became the first player in program history to record at least 700 points and 100 assists, showcasing his elite combination of scoring and playmaking.

Hubbard also delivered some of the most memorable performances in the country this year, including a 46-point outing against Auburn where he knocked down a program-record 10 three-pointers, along with a 42-point performance against Georgia. His consistency, leadership, and ability to perform in the biggest moments set him apart from a talented finalist group that included Daeshun Ruffin of Jackson State and Tylik Weeks of Southern Miss.

Cotie McMahon made an immediate impact in her season at Ole Miss, earning the 2026 Gillom Trophy after establishing herself as one of the premier players in college basketball. The dynamic forward led the Rebels in scoring, averaging nearly 20 points per game while shooting over 45 percent from the field and contributing across the board as a rebounder and playmaker.

McMahon elevated her performance in conference play, averaging over 21 points per game against SEC competition and consistently delivering in high-pressure moments. Her toughness, versatility, and competitive edge helped define Ole Miss’ season and positioned her as one of the top players in the country. She was selected from a strong group of finalists that included Jakayla Johnson of Southern Miss and Madison Francis of Mississippi State.

The Howell Trophy, named after Mississippi State and NBA legend Bailey Howell, and the Gillom Trophy, named after Ole Miss and WNBA pioneer Peggie Gillom-Granderson, are awarded annually to the top men’s and women’s college basketball players in Mississippi. A panel of statewide media members selects the finalists and winners based on performance throughout the season.

Today’s event featured special guest Jan Sojourner, who addressed attendees and reflected on the impact of basketball across generations in Mississippi.

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum extends its gratitude to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort for their continued support of this annual celebration of basketball excellence.