Mississippi State football's 2025 spring season has come to an end, as the Bulldogs played their spring game on Saturday. While there are very few conclusions to be drawn from a spring game, there will always be a few things that catch our eyes, especially stand out players. There's one player that fans were particularly eager to see in the spring game, and he stood out above everyone else.
Freshman QB Kamario Taylor impresses in Bulldogs' spring game
Kamario Taylor was the crown jewel of Mississippi State 2025 signing class. Rated as a a 95-overall, 4-star prospect by 247 Sports, he's the highest-rated quarterback the Bulldogs have ever signed. The 6-4, 215 dual threat grew up right down the road from Starkville in Macon and is the cousin of former MSU QB Omarr Conner. Taylor was a superstar for Noxubee County HS, and being the first truly elite QB prospect to land at State, there's a case to be made that there's been more excitement around him coming to Starkville than any prior recruit.
Taylor enrolled early to go through spring practices as a true freshman, which meant he would get to take the field for the Bulldogs' 2025 spring game. And the State fans in attendance at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday were treated to an outstanding debut by the 18-year old.
Taking reps for both teams in Saturday's scrimmage, Kamario Taylor made it clear that he's already grown comfortable in Jeff Lebby's offense. After his first pass attempt of the day sailed high, Taylor settled in for an 9-14, 126 yard performance (stats unofficial). He led the only two scoring drives of the day, first leading a 9-play, 35-yard field goal drive to put the White team ahead 3-0.
Then to end the game, he orchestrated a 4-play, 65-yard drive, capped-off with a 30-yard touchdown strike to Sanfrisco Magee to secure a 9-0 win for the White team. And Taylor's day could have even been better. He had a big completion to WR Ayden Williams taken off the board due to penalty, and he had several deep balls just barely fall incomplete.
Ngl… freshman QB KaMario Taylor looks incredible. Dynamic runner, but premier arm talent too. Seems to have a good understanding of State’s offense too. Impressive.
— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) April 19, 2025
In a shortened spring game with little action overall, Kamario Taylor grabbed everyone's attention. He looked every bit the part of a high-level QB prospect, and while he's still just a freshman with a long way to go in terms of development, it's clear the talent is there to be special.
Whether or not he factors in this fall is still too early to say. Blake Shapen remains the leader in the room, and despite a few overthrown deep balls, he had a solid outing in the spring game as well. Jeff Lebby has consistently discussed the position with Shapen as the clear top guy throughout the spring. But Kamario Taylor's talent is undeniable, and if he can further develop over the offseason and through fall camp, he may see some early playing time.