Southern Miss graduate student guard Jakayla Johnson has been named one of three finalists for the 2026 C-Spire Gillom Trophy, recognizing Mississippi's top women's college basketball player. Johnson joins Madison Francis of Mississippi State and Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss as finalists for the prestigious award, named after Peggy Gillom-Granderson. This marks Johnson's first finalist selection, making her the sixth player from Southern Miss with a total of 10 Gillom Trophy finalist nominations. She averaged 15.6 points per game this season and played a key role in Southern Miss's performance. The winners will be announced on April 15 at a luncheon in Choctaw, Miss.

By the Numbers
  • 15.6 points per game average for Johnson this season.
  • 483 total points scored by Johnson in the 2025-26 season.
State of Play
  • Johnson is recognized for her exceptional performance at Southern Miss and previously at Jones County Junior College.
  • The Gillom Trophy winners, decided by a statewide media panel, reflect the top talent in Mississippi college basketball.
What's Next

The announcement of the Gillom Trophy recipient will take place at a luncheon on April 15, coinciding with various other collegiate athlete awards in Mississippi. Johnson's performance could further elevate her prospects for professional opportunities in basketball following her collegiate success.

Bottom Line

Jakayla Johnson's recognition as a Gillom Trophy finalist celebrates her as a standout talent in Mississippi women's basketball, emphasizing the impact of her contributions during her college career and setting the stage for future accolades.