The Mississippi State Bulldogs have impressed early in their 2026 campaign, but it may be short-lived. Starting quarterback Kamrio Taylor’s status for Saturday is not looking promising.
Taylor suffered a foot injury late in the Bulldogs' game against Alabama on October 3, and it affected his running ability.
The 16th-ranked Bulldogs head to Death Valley to square off against the 22nd-ranked Tigers, and it may be without their breakout star quarterback. Playing on the road against any team in the SEC is tough, but it becomes unfathomable without a quarterback.
This season, the Bulldogs are 4-1 (2-1 SEC), and Taylor has been a huge part of the team’s success. He has completed 66.2% of his passes for 1,450 yards and 17 touchdowns. On the ground, he has 43 carries for 159 yards and another touchdown.
Lane Kiffin knows how dangerous the sophomore quarterback can be after facing him last year. “He's perfect. Really a problem in both areas when he's healthy and is able to run the ball. We just played him last year when we were at and he really, you know, made some perfect plays, especially late in the game when he starts running around,” Kiffin said.
Kiffin also pointed out the jump from year one to year two for Taylor and how head coach Jeff Lebby implements a “very college quarterback-friendly” system.
Without Taylor, a win is unlikely for Mississippi State, impacting their ranking and leading them to fall out of the top 25. Parker Pocket took the reins at quarterback after Taylor’s injury against Alabama. Jeff Lebby has not announced a starter if the Heisman-caliber quarterback is out.
LSU has not had the season they imagined after hiring Kiffin, but with no Taylor, they could get back on track after an upset by Kentucky in overtime last week and help their CFP resume.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, October 17 (12 p.m. ET).
