Kamario Taylor laid out his intentions for 2027 after his season-ending injury.
Mississippi State confirmed Tuesday that Taylor will require surgery on a foot injury that will end his year. The quarterback emerged as a future top draft prospect in his sophomore campaign, completing 65.4% of his passes for 1,460 yards, 17 touchdowns, and four interceptions for the Bulldogs.
Once Taylor recovers, speculation could run rampant over the rising star transferring this offseason. However, the 19-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to Mississippi State in a statement from the school.
“I love this team, and I love Mississippi State,” Taylor said. “My role will look different these next several weeks, but my commitment to this team won’t change. I’ll do whatever I can to help my brothers down the stretch, and I need the Bulldog Family to do the same. Have these guys’ backs the same way you’ve always had mine.”
Taylor gave no indication he’s considering leaving head coach Jeff Lebby and Co. behind.
“I couldn’t ask for better people in my corner than my family, Coach Lebby, our incredible medical staff and Bulldog fans. Their care, support and love mean everything to me,” Taylor added. “There’s a lot of football left, and I’m all in with my guys. Starkville is home, and I can’t wait to be back playing the game I love.”
What’s next for Kamario Taylor?
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Lebby also praised Taylor and looked forward to him returning next season.
“He’s the ultimate teammate and competitor. He loves the game of football, and he loves this place,” Lebby said of Taylor. “You see it in the work he’s put in and the way he’s handled every part of this. It’s why our players and coaches believe in him the way they do. We couldn’t be prouder of him.
“K1 will continue to be a leader of this team, and he’ll come back stronger than ever. We can’t wait to see him back in Davis Wade Stadium after a full recovery.”
Pete Thamel considered Taylor’s comments when discussing the quarterback’s future on SportsCenter. The ESPN insider said Mississippi State athletic director Zac Selmon confirmed the program’s commitment to retaining Taylor.
They’ll pause talks on a new NIL contract during Taylor’s recovery, but Selmon told Thamel that Mississippi State is also working to convince the quarterback that it will bolster the roster around him.
“There have been talks. There will continue to be talks, and there’s optimism from Mississippi State considering what Kamario Taylor has said all year,” Thamel said. “… All signs appear for Kamario Taylor to be committed to Mississippi State, and they are committed to making it work.
