JB Middleton Takes Home the 2025 Ferriss Trophy Presented by the MBCI and Pearl River Resort

Southern Miss Pitcher Honored as Mississippi’s Top Collegiate Baseball Player

Jackson, Miss. (May 19, 2025) – The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is proud to announce that University of Southern Mississippi right-handed pitcher JB Middleton has been named the winner of the 2025 Ferriss Trophy, presented by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort. The award is given annually to the most outstanding college baseball player in Mississippi.

Middleton capped off an impressive junior season with a 9-1 record, a 2.07 ERA, and 104 strikeouts across 91.1 innings pitched. Known for his command and poise on the mound, , he pitched at least five innings in 13 of 14 starts, while posting 10 or more strikeout games four times during the year including a career-high 12 against both South Alabama and Georgia State.

Middleton was chosen by scouts and Mississippi coaches from an exceptional group of finalists representing some of the best collegiate talent in the state including Drake Fontenot (Delta State University), Luke Hill (University of Mississippi), Nick Monistere (University of Southern Miss), and Ace Reese (Mississippi State University).

The announcement was made at a luncheon held Monday at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson. Former Major League Baseball All-Star and Mississippi native Roy Oswalt served as the keynote speaker, sharing stories from his career and encouraging the finalists to continue chasing excellence on and off the field.

“The Ferriss Trophy is one of the most meaningful awards we present each year because it honors not only athletic achievement, but remembers the character and leadership of the trophy’s namesake, Boo Ferriss,” said Bill Blackwell, Executive Director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. “JB Middleton exemplifies those qualities. He’s a fierce competitor, a team leader, and a fantastic representative of Southern Miss and Mississippi baseball.”

All proceeds from the event benefit the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Ferriss Trophy, presented by the MBCI and Pearl River Resort is part of the Outstanding Player Awards Series, which also includes the Howell Trophy (men’s basketball), the Gillom Trophy (women’s basketball), and the C Spire Conerly Trophy (football).