Mississippi State delivered a major surprise ahead of the 2025 Egg Bowl, naming freshman quarterback Kamario Taylor the starter against No. 6 Ole Miss on Friday at Davis Wade Stadium.
Taylor, a four-star recruit from nearby Noxubee County, earned his first career start, replacing veteran quarterback Blake Shapen, who had opened every game for the Bulldogs this season.
Taylor Emerging After Preseason Competition
The freshman spent the offseason battling Florida State transfer Luke Kromenhoek for the backup spot. Both quarterbacks rotated early in the season, though Kromenhoek hasn’t appeared in a game since Week 3.
Taylor’s athleticism and versatility earned him regular snaps in short-yardage and specialty packages throughout the year.
A Local Star with a Strong High School Legacy
Taylor was one of Mississippi’s top high school prospects, starring at Noxubee County High School in Macon—just 30 minutes from MSU.
He led the Tigers to three straight MHSAA Class 3A state championship game appearances (2022–2024) and was selected to The Clarion Ledger’s 2024 Dandy Dozen.
Recruiting Profile
- Rating: Four-star
- Class: 2025
- Rankings:
- No. 11 quarterback nationally
- No. 4 player in Mississippi
- No. 119 overall (247Sports Composite)
- Committed: October 2023
Season Stats Before the Egg Bowl
Taylor has appeared in nine games this season, contributing heavily in situational packages. Before Week 14, he recorded:
- Passing: 15-of-25, 210 yards, 4 TDs
- Rushing: 222 yards, 5 TDs
- First career TD: 42-yard trick-play pass in Week 3 vs. Alcorn State
Physical Profile
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 230 lbs
With Mississippi State sitting at 5–6 and needing a win to stay bowl eligible, Taylor’s debut as a starter comes at one of the most high-pressure moments of the season — the annual rivalry showdown with Ole Miss.
