In a testament to his exceptional performance on the mound, Southern Miss junior pitcher JB Middleton has been awarded the 2025 Ferriss Trophy, recognizing him as Mississippi’s top collegiate baseball player. The announcement was made on Monday during a ceremony at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson.
Middleton, a native of Yazoo City and a standout right-hander for the Golden Eagles, concluded the regular season with an impressive 9-1 record, a 2.07 ERA, and 104 strikeouts over 91.1 innings pitched. His consistency was evident as he pitched at least five innings in 13 of his 14 starts and achieved double-digit strikeouts in four games, including a career-high 12 strikeouts against both South Alabama and Georgia State.
The Ferriss Trophy, named in honor of Mississippi baseball legend Dave “Boo” Ferriss, is presented annually to the state’s most outstanding college baseball player. Middleton was selected from a group of five finalists, which included his Southern Miss teammate Nick Monistere, Ole Miss’s Luke Hill, Mississippi State’s Ace Reese, and Delta State’s Drake Fontenot.
This accolade marks the fifth time a Southern Miss player has received the Ferriss Trophy, with Middleton joining the ranks of previous Golden Eagle winners such as Tanner Hall (2022), Nick Sandlin (2018), James McMahon (2015), Tyler Koelling (2011).
The Ferriss Trophy is part of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame’s Outstanding Player Awards Series, which also includes the Howell Trophy (men’s basketball), the Gillom Trophy (women’s basketball), and the Conerly Trophy (football).
Middleton’s recognition not only highlights his personal accomplishments but also underscores the strength and talent present in Mississippi’s collegiate baseball programs.
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