When Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor’s sophomore season was cut short by toe surgery, the immediate panic in Starkville wasn’t just about 2026. It was about whether the Heisman contender would ever play in maroon and white again.
After Taylor established himself as one of the most electric quarterbacks in the country during the early part of the season, it was hard to imagine a bigger program not targeting him. Those fears and concerns from Bulldog fans can be put to rest.
According to ESPNTaylor is finalizing a massive deal to return to Starkville in 2027, potentially slamming the door on transfer rumours. For aggressive portal programs like Miami and Oregon looking for an immediate upgrade at center, Taylor may be off the table.
The deal is expected to make Taylor one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the country under the new-look era defined by the NIL. According to the deal is expected to be $7.5 million and, with incentives, could go as high as $9 million for next season.
Through four games before his injury, Taylor led the Bulldogs to a 4-0 record with signature wins over Minnesota and then-No. 19 Missouri. He completed 65.4% of his passes for 1,460 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions along with posting an 81.6 QBR.
Taylor suffered a foot injury during the loss to then-No. 7 Alabama in Week 5 and hurt it again against Oklahoma two weeks later, ending his season. Still, his raw talent and tremendous potential explains why coach Jeff Lebby and the program invested so heavily in their quarterback.
Beyond his elite upside on the field, Taylor brings an authentic connection to his hometown, and leaving was likely never an option. He was a quarterback drafted in the class of 2025 from Macon, Mississippi and chose to stay right in his own backyard.
After announcing Taylor’s return for 2027, that won’t change anytime soon.
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