Former 4-Star Prospect Named SEC's Most Underrated QB In 2026

Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor expected to take over starting role after impressive Egg Bowl performance.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor, a former 4-star recruit, is generating early buzz as the SEC's most underrated quarterback heading into the 2026 season. Taylor took over the starting job late last season and impressed with his athleticism, rushing for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss. Despite a late-season ankle injury, Taylor is expected to be the Bulldogs' starting QB in 2026 and could play his way into national recognition.

Why it matters

Quarterback play is crucial in the SEC, one of the most competitive conferences in college football. Taylor's emergence as a potential star gives Mississippi State hope for continued success after the departure of veteran QB Blake Shapen. If Taylor can stay healthy and build on his strong finish to 2025, he could help the Bulldogs challenge for an SEC West title.

The details

After mostly being used as a wildcat quarterback throughout the 2025 season, Kamario Taylor got the nod to make his first career start against Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl. He impressed with his athleticism, completing 15-of-31 passes for 178 yards and a pick, while rushing 20 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the Bulldogs bringing in LSU transfer AJ Swann and former four-star recruit Jaden Rashada to bolster the QB room, Taylor is expected to be the starter in 2026 and is already generating early buzz as the SEC's most underrated quarterback.

  • In the 2025 season, Taylor was mostly used as a wildcat quarterback.
  • Taylor made his first career start against Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl in 2025.
  • Taylor suffered a worrisome ankle injury in the team's bowl game loss to Wake Forest in 2025.
  • Taylor is expected to return in time for spring ball in 2026.

The players

Kamario Taylor

A 6-foot-4 quarterback from Macon, Mississippi who was a former 4-star recruit and the No. 80 player in the country. He chose to stay home and play at Mississippi State over programs like Georgia, UCF, Texas A&M and Missouri.

Jeff Lebby

The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs who made the tough decision to bench senior quarterback Blake Shapen in favor of Kamario Taylor.

Blake Shapen

The veteran college football quarterback who lost his starting job at Mississippi State to Kamario Taylor.

AJ Swann

An LSU transfer quarterback brought in to bolster the quarterback room at Mississippi State.

Jaden Rashada

A former four-star recruit quarterback brought in to bolster the quarterback room at Mississippi State.

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What they’re saying

“I feel good about getting in the locker room and being able to talk to the medical staff and seeing Kamario again.”

— Jeff Lebby, Head Coach (Mississippi State Bulldogs)

What’s next

Taylor is expected to have a full session of spring ball to get used to the new weapons he will be throwing the ball to as well as having a chance to prepare as the starter for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Kamario Taylor's emergence as a potential star quarterback gives Mississippi State hope for continued success in the SEC. If he can stay healthy and build on his strong finish to 2025, he could help the Bulldogs challenge for an SEC West title and play his way into national recognition.