Jeff Lebby reveals Blake Shapen will not be with Mississippi State for Duke's Mayo Bowl

Multiple teams opting out of bowl games opened the door for 5-7 Mississippi State to participate in the postseason. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl is the reward, getting set to go up against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Jeff Lebby is preparing his team for a bowl game for the first time under his watch, having to do so without a major piece.

Quarterback Blake Shapen will not be with the team throughout the process, Lebby announced on Wednesday. Instead, Shapen is back home preparing for the next stage of his career. Kamario Taylor is the presumed starter after doing so in the Egg Bowl vs. Ole Miss.

“Jeff Lebby reports that Blake Shapen is back home training,” Robbie Faulk of On3 | Rivals’ Maroon and White Daily said via X. “He won’t be with the team for the bowl game so it’s Kamario Taylor and Luke Kromenhoek getting the reps.”

Taylor is a true freshman who came in with a ton of expectations. He was a four-star prospect out of Macon (MS) Noxubee County. The Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, had Taylor as the No. 77 overall recruit in the 2025 cycle.

As mentioned, his only extended run on the season came in the Egg Bowl. Taylor completed only 15 of his 31 attempts, throwing for 178 yards. However, Lebby really unlocked something on the ground with 173 yards and two touchdowns on 20 attempts.

Mississippi State is still looking to build something heading into 2026. While the news about Shapen is unfortunate, it appears as if the future is arriving with Taylor. A big opportunity for him in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, facing a quality Wake Forest team.

More on Blake Shapen, 2025 season with Mississippi State

Lebby did not know if Shapen would be with the program entering the season. Shapen needed to be granted a year of eligibility after suffering an injury in 2024. Getting approved, Mississippi State had their starter.

In 11 games, Shapen accumulated 2,433 yards, 15 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while connecting on 64.4% of his throws. Mississippi State finished with a 5-6 record with him under center. SEC play was the real struggle after starting 4-0 during the nonconference portion of the schedule.

Shapen began his career in the Big 12 with the Baylor Bears. The hope is to continue playing football at the next level.