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Mississippi State Bulldog Kamario Taylor stood out in one major area as a freshman

The analytics say Kamario Taylor was the nation's best freshman in one key area.
ByAndrew Miller|
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Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Kamario Taylor came to Mississippi State football as one of the most hyped signees in program history. The highest-ranked QB signee the Bulldogs have ever seen, Taylor was a high school star just down the road in Macon, MS and an Elite 11 finalist.

He grew up wanting to be a Bulldog and stayed true to that through the recruiting process even as bigger brand programs pushed for him. He's the special type of talent State fans have been desperate for at the QB position, and that's why everyone was so eager to see him hit the field right away.

He delivered on that hype, making incredible plays nearly every time he stepped foot on the field both with his arm and with his legs. Eventually, HC Jeff Lebby had no choice but to make him a starter. And the ability State fans watched is backed-up by the analytics, especially when it comes to what he can do as a runner.

PFF grades Kamario Taylor as the best freshman rushing QB in 2025

According to Pro Football Focus, Kamario Taylor recorded a 90.1 rushing grade in 2025. That was the best among all true freshman QBs last season.

Taylor was truly electric running the football. He ran for 458 yards on 5.6 yards per rush, best of any Bulldog with double-digit carries. He led the team with eight rushing scores. Even with talented running backs on the roster, he was truly the most effective option to run the football by far that MSU had.

What makes Taylor's rushing ability so impressive is its diversity. He has the power to run downhill and break through tackles with ease. He has to speed to run away from defenders. He has the agility to make tacklers miss in open space. And he has the escapabillty to turn likely-sacks into big gains.

For a school with plenty of outstanding rushing QBs in its lineage, he may truly be the most well-rounded Mississippi State has seen. And that rushing ability is something that can give the Bulldog offense a much-needed edge moving forward.

It's hard for State to consistently win against more talented defenses in the SEC under normal circumstances. But Taylor's legs are an equalizer. He can make plays that otherwise wouldn't happen. And if he develops as a passer, he's going to be truly dangerous. It's going to be a ton of fun watching him take the field this fall with a full offseason under his belt as the starter.

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