Mississippi State Bulldogs: Josh Hubbard's Return Could Be the Game-Changer in College Basketball—But Loyalty in a Transfer-Crazy World?
Imagine a team on the brink of something special, with a star player deciding to stick around despite the chaos of college sports. That's the story unfolding at Mississippi State, where point guard Josh Hubbard's announcement to return for his third season has fans buzzing. But here's where it gets controversial: In an era dominated by the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, is choosing to stay truly a sign of unwavering loyalty, or just a savvy bet on the right program? Let's dive in and unpack how this decision might propel the Bulldogs forward, while exploring the roster shake-ups that could redefine their future.
Head coach Chris Jans has been a transformative force for the Bulldogs, guiding them to the NCAA Tournament— that's the prestigious national championship event where top college basketball teams compete—for each of his three seasons in Starkville. While Jans is renowned for his defensive strategies, the team's offensive output exploded last season, showcasing a well-rounded approach that kept opponents guessing.
The big question looming over Mississippi State was whether Hubbard, the team's dynamic leader, would come back for another year. When he confirmed his return with a resounding 'Yes,' it provided the Bulldogs with a solid foundation, much like a cornerstone in a building, to build upon for the 2025-26 campaign. This move not only highlights Hubbard's commitment but also sets a tone for stability in a sport where change is constant.
Hubbard's impact on the court has been undeniable. He earned second-team All-SEC honors from both coaches and media, topping the Bulldogs in scoring while ranking second in the entire Southeastern Conference with an impressive 18.9 points per game. Over his first two seasons in Starkville, he's accumulated 1,240 career points, proving himself as a reliable scorer and playmaker. As Jans put it, 'Anyone that good, that young, there’s going to be talk about it. Again, what I said earlier, I look at returnees as everybody’s in the portal. I think it speaks volumes to who he is, what kind of person he is, how strongly he believes in our program and our community and our university.' It's a reminder that in college sports, personal values often weigh heavily in decisions that could affect careers.
And this is the part most people miss: The motivation fueling Jans' squad goes beyond talent. Each player seems driven by a relentless desire to perform after past seasons' successes. Hubbard echoed this sentiment, saying, 'After the seasons we’ve had, just the ferocious taste of just wanting to go out there and play hard and show the fans what we can do. We’re going to play exciting, play hard, and as a fan, I think those things are exciting to know and hear.' For beginners in college hoops, think of it like athletes who, after tasting victory, crave more—it's that hunger that turns good teams into great ones.
Now, let's talk roster evolution, which is reshaping the Bulldogs in fascinating ways. The transfer portal— a system allowing players to switch schools freely—and NIL rules, which let athletes profit from endorsements, have led to significant turnover in college basketball rosters. This 'imminent rebirth' means teams like Mississippi State must adapt quickly to stay competitive. Defensive stalwart Cameron Matthews is sticking around, having led the league with 2.4 steals per game last season, providing continuity alongside Hubbard.
But the additions are where things get exciting (and perhaps divisive—more on that later). From Wichita State comes Quincy Ballard Jr., a promising post player ready to anchor the frontcourt. Achor Achor, formerly of Kansas State, brings his skills to bolster the big men. In the backcourt, Ja’Borri McGhee from UAB adds guard depth, while Georgetown's Jayden Epps, known for his sharp three-point shooting, joins as a key perimeter threat. Rounding out the group is Arizona State transfer Amier Ali, whose athleticism and versatility make him a two-way force.
Jans acknowledges the defensive challenges, noting, 'Defensively, we took a couple of steps back. I knew we would. I just didn’t want to take two steps back. We took more than we wanted. We had that in mind when we jumped in the portal this year, tried to get, like you said, some length and more defensive-minded guys.' For those new to the game, this means prioritizing height and defensive instincts to prevent easy baskets, a strategy that could turn the tide in tight matches.
Integrating these pieces is crucial, and placing Epps as a potential starting guard gives Jans another offensive weapon. Epps, who averaged 18.5 points per game two seasons ago at Georgetown and 12.8 last year, is adapting to his new role. 'We’ve been working together trying to find out our roles, trying to see what everybody can do,' he shared. 'We are definitely still finding it. It’s a work in progress, and we are working every day.' It's a process that requires patience, like assembling a puzzle where each piece must fit perfectly for the full picture to emerge.
So, as Mississippi State rebuilds with Hubbard at the helm, one can't help but wonder: Is prioritizing defense over offense the right path, or should they lean into their scoring prowess? And in a sport rife with transfers, does Hubbard's loyalty make him a rare breed—or just someone who saw the long-term benefits? What do you think—will this roster deliver a deep tournament run, or is there room for skepticism? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a controversial take on the transfer portal's impact on team chemistry!
