The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Howell and Gillom Trophies, presented annually to the state’s top men’s and women’s college basketball players. The awards are presented by Pearl River Resort and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI). Selected by a statewide panel of media members, this year’s finalists represent the best of college basketball across Mississippi’s four-year institutions.
Howell Trophy Finalists (Men’s Basketball):
- Daeshun Ruffin – Jackson State University
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Josh Hubbard – Mississippi State University
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Tylik Weeks – University of Southern Mississippi
- Madison Francis – Mississippi State University
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Cotie McMahon – University of Mississippi
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Jakayla Johnson – University of Southern Mississippi
On the men’s side, Jackson State’s Daeshun Ruffin has been a dynamic scoring leader in the SWAC, showcasing his explosiveness and leadership for the Tigers. Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard continues to rank among the program’s all-time greats with 1,947 career points, a school-record 311 three-pointers, and a historic season that included multiple 40-point performances while becoming the first Bulldog to record at least 700 points and 100 assists in a single year. Southern Miss forward Tylik Weeks has provided consistent production and versatility, anchoring the Golden Eagles with his scoring and rebounding presence throughout the season.
On the women’s side, Mississippi State freshman Madison Francis has emerged as one of the nation’s top defensive players, averaging 13.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and a nation-leading 2.8 blocks per game, while totaling 88 blocks this season and recording seven double-doubles to lead all SEC freshmen. Ole Miss standout Cotie McMahon has been a key contributor in the SEC with her all-around impact, while Southern Miss guard Jakayla Johnson has led the Golden Eagles with her scoring ability and leadership.
The winners of the Howell and Gillom Trophies will be announced at the Trophy Presentation Luncheon on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Golden Moon Casino at Pearl River Resort. This year’s event will feature special guest Jan Sojourner, legendary Jackson Prep head coach and one of the most respected figures in Mississippi high school basketball history. Sojourner built a nationally recognized program, winning multiple state championships and mentoring generations of student-athletes throughout her career. To purchase tickets to the event, visit www.msfame.com or contact the Museum Office directly.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Howell and Gillom Trophies are a part of the Outstanding Player Awards Series which also recognizes the top college athlete in football with the C Spire Conerly Trophy and the top college baseball player with the Ferriss Trophy presented by MBCI and Pearl River Resort.
About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi’s rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof