Mississippi State basketball received positive news this week, as center Gai Chol has withdrawn from the NCAA transfer portal and will return to the Bulldogs for the 2026-27 season.
The decision keeps the 7-foot, 245-pound big man in Starkville for a fourth year under head coach Chris Jans. Gai Chol originally entered the transfer portal after the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. However, he has now chosen to remain with the program that recruited and developed him.
Chol missed the entire 2025-26 season after suffering a serious knee injury during the summer. The injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process. As a result, he spent the season as a redshirt while focusing on his recovery.
Claim Now Gai Chol strengthens the Mississippi State roster at a crucial time
His return provides valuable depth and experience for the Mississippi State frontcourt. The Bulldogs are expected to have more opportunities available in the post rotation next season. Several key frontcourt players departed the program, including Achor Achor and Jamarion Davis–Fleming, who both entered the transfer portal.
Before his injury, Chol showed flashes of potential during his first two seasons. He appeared in 31 games and gradually developed his role off the bench. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 1.5 points and 0.8 rebounds in 15 appearances. He also shot an efficient 56 percent from the field.
As a true freshman, Chol averaged 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds in 16 games. He connected on 60 percent of his field-goal attempts and was perfect from the free-throw line. One of his best performances came against UT Martin, when he recorded 11 points and six rebounds.
A native of Sudan, Chol arrived in the United States as a high school freshman. He attended Greenforest McCalep Christian Academy in Georgia. During his prep career, he helped lead the school to a Georgia 1-A Private School state championship. He was also recognized as a four-star prospect by one recruiting service.
Looking ahead, Chol will compete for a larger role in Mississippi State’s frontcourt. He will battle alongside Tee Bartlett and transfer addition ND Okafor. With additional roster changes, the Bulldogs hope Chol can finally enjoy a healthy season and reach his full potential.
