Blake Shapen transferred from Baylor to Mississippi State in 2024 to serve as a one-year rental for Jeff Lebby as he laid the foundation for the program. But after a shoulder injury quickly ended his 2024 season, Shapen is now back for a second year in Starkville to lead the Bulldog offense once again.
Shapen got just four games with the Bulldogs last season before his injury, but in those four he was quite productive. He completed 68.5% of his passes for 974 yards with eight touchdowns to just one interception, adding another two scores on the ground.
During this stretch, he got minimal help from the MSU run game and the protection in front of him was nonexistent. In an offense designed to create layups for QBs, Shapen was forced to play on hard-mode. And despite the team's overall struggles, he performed well all things considered.
Now going into 2025, Shapen has even more comfort in the system, and the surrounding issues of a poor run game and bad pass protection were seemingly addressed in the offseason. Assuming that is the case and a few faces in the receiving corps emerge as consistent targets, Shapen will be set up for success.
Behind Shapen, State has a pair of young but highly-talented QBs. Florida State transfer Luke Kromenhoek was a Top 5 QB in the Class of 2024. The 6-4, strong-armed dual-threat made a pair of starts for the Seminoles last season as a true freshman, performing admirably.
Then there's true freshman Kamario Taylor. The Noxubee County product is the highest-rated QB signee in program history. At 6-4, 230, he's an imposing specimen, and his athleticism is off the charts. Taylor flashed in the spring, and in the eyes of many, he's the future face of the program.
If healthy, Blake Shapen could have huge season for Bulldogs
With Blake Shapen, it's quite simple. When he's healthy, both at Mississippi State and at Baylor, he's been a good starting QB. But that health is the key. Injuries have plagued him throughout his career, and at this point, it's going to be a valid concern with him.
That said, he's in position to have a fantastic year in Starkville if he can stay healthy. Shapen fits Jeff Lebby's offense and is now experienced in it, has a good group of skill talent surrounding him, and (ideally) has a better line protecting him. His return should be a source for optimism for MSU.
But if he does go down, there's reason to believe the Bulldogs can still be solid offensively. Luke Kromenhoek has already been thrust into a starting role before and handled things well. Kamario Taylor has obviously never been in such a spot, but from a talent standpoint, he's capable. Lebby made things work with a true freshman last season. He could do it again.