STARKVILLE — Mississippi State basketball coach Chris Jans conveyed a strong message about his team's culture during SEC Media Day, asserting that this group stands out as the best he has ever coached. “Knock on wood, right now it’s the best group of young men that I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching,” Jans stated.
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This remark follows a challenging 2025-26 season for the Bulldogs, who finished with a record of 13-19 overall and 5-13 in SEC play, missing postseason action after reaching the NCAA Tournament in each of Jans’ first three years in Starkville. Entering his fifth season with the program, Jans is hopeful that better team chemistry, new recruits, and leadership from returning players will help the Bulldogs overcome skepticism.
Jans, now in his 17th year as a head coach across various levels, emphasized the character of his current players at the SEC Media Day. While he acknowledged that the season's outcome will dictate their success, he expressed enthusiasm about the developing relationships within the team. “We’ve had a lot of great stories going on. A lot of good kids. It’s fun to be around them,” he said.
This optimism is key for a Mississippi State team that includes several newcomers. Establishing chemistry has been a primary focus during the offseason as the Bulldogs seek to define roles and develop a more consistent offensive strategy. Senior guard Josh Hubbard is expected to be a crucial leader, having averaged 22.1 points per game last season, while teammate Jayden Epps added 13.7 points per contest. Yet, the Bulldogs faced challenges finding consistent scoring beyond their top players.
For the team to compete effectively in the highly competitive SEC, more balanced contributions will be necessary. One player Jans is particularly excited about is transfer guard R.J. Johnson from Kennesaw State. Jans noted Johnson's transformation, having lost roughly 27 pounds since joining Mississippi State, which has enhanced his agility and quickness. “He’s a big lead guard,” Jans remarked. “He’s got a chance to be a big-time player for us.”
Johnson's growth could be crucial for a Bulldogs squad looking for additional offensive options. With Hubbard established as a primary scorer, another reliable ball-handler like Johnson may help alleviate the pressure on the team’s returning stars.
Despite Jans’ upbeat outlook, external predictions pose a challenge. Many preseason rankings have placed Mississippi State near the bottom of the SEC standings, often predicting a 15th-place finish. The Bulldogs previously reached the NCAA Tournament three seasons in a row from 2022 to 2025, marking their third streak of this nature in program history. Jans now faces the task of rebuilding that momentum, with confidence in what he describes as his best group of young men yet.