Mississippi State football's 2025 season officially came to a close on Friday night in Charlotte, as the Bulldogs fell to Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl 43-39 to finish the season with an odd 5-8 final record. But the outcome is not where focus lies coming out of this game.
Late in the fourth quarter, down by 14, Mississippi State freshman QB Kamario Taylor suffered a lower-leg injury on a scramble attempt the resulted in him having to be carted off the field.
Hope Kamario Taylor is ok… speedy recovery pic.twitter.com/Cp0rDsCQsp
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) January 3, 2026
In the moment, the injury appeared quite severe, significant enough that many began questioning Taylor's availability for the 2026 season. But following the game, reports seem to be promising for Kamario Taylor.
Initial injury report promising for Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor
According to Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby in his postgame press conference, the initial reports on Kamario Taylor were positive. Lebby did not provide further detail, saying more would be known on Saturday, but his comments at least suggest Taylor's injury is not as severe as initially feared.
Jeff Lebby says initial reports on Kamario have been good. They'll know more tomorrow.
— Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulkOn3) January 3, 2026
Further reporting from On3 Sports' Robbie Faulk add to the idea that Kamario Taylor seemingly avoided a serious injury, as he was seen walking around without assistance, needing no crutches and not wearing a cast or boot.
Kamario Taylor is walking around postgame. We’ve been told that the prognosis should be significantly better than previously expected. pic.twitter.com/dlZWrx7nXQ
— Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulkOn3) January 3, 2026
Though nothing is official yet, all early indications are that the young QB will be good to go moving forward. It appears the Taylor and the Bulldogs got lucky here.
Mississippi State desperately needs Kamario Taylor healthy for 2026
Mississippi State football desperately needs these initial reports to be accurate and for Kamario Taylor to be set to go for next season. He is the focal point of Bulldog football moving forward.
The highest-rated QB signee in program history, Taylor's talent has jumped off the page all season, and he's looked more than ready to lead Jeff Lebby's offense in his two starts. He's a talent unlike anyone State has ever had, with an even higher collegiate ceiling than Dak Prescott had in Starkville.
Kamario Taylor is the type of player that can elevate Bulldog football to rarely-seen, if not unseen, heights, and he's someone that other talented prospects want to play with. Kamario Taylor represents Mississippi State's chance to finally get back on the map in college football. It is imperative that he be healthy in time for 2026.