Kamario Taylor finally gets the keys for Mississippi State

For several weeks, Jeff Lebby has been wrestling with a major decision.

The coach came into the 2025 season with hopes of senior Blake Shapen carrying the offense so talented freshman Kamario Taylor could marinate for a special career. As the season started to play out, Mississippi State fans began restless to turn the keys over to the Noxubee County great.

After a rough showing in the 49-27 loss at Missouri two weeks ago, Lebby came back to Starkville and decided it was time. For the last two weeks, the Bulldog coach prepared Taylor to be the starting quarterback and he worked behind the center in Friday’s Battle for the Golden Egg against Ole Miss.

“Really hard decision for me. As we got back from Missouri, I thought about it all day Sunday,” Lebby said of the QB change. “As hard as it was for me to make, the result hasn’t been what we needed. Things had not been great up front so who is the guy that has the ability to make a couple of plays when things aren’t perfect?

“Blake’s poured a lot into this and has been an unbelievably consistent person inside our building for two years. He’s been through a lot. For him to not have the ability to go do it today, it’s hard for him. It’s hard for me. Because of who he’s been and his toughness and how he’s laid it on the line for me and this University. Really hate this was the end for him.”

Taylor showed ability to give Bulldogs different dynamic

Shapen had his 2024 season end prematurely as he encountered a shoulder injury in the fourth game of the season last year. He ultimately earned another season of eligibility and would play it out in 2025 with the Bulldogs.

This year, Shapen was 5-6 as a starter and completed 64% of his passes for 2,431 yards, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions while being sacked 31 times. Behind a group that has been ranked among the lowest in the league this year in passing grades, Lebby felt that Taylor gave the team the best chance against the Rebels.

“I felt like he was ready. He had just gotten better and better,” Lebby said of Taylor. “When you’re around him and in the meeting room with him every single day, the young man has great command and great understanding of what we’re trying to do. He’s worked himself into knowing what the expectation is. He’s going to want so much back, but the toughness he played with, I’m proud of how he went about it.”

In what was a difficult two weeks for several people, Taylor prepared himself the best way that he could. He spent the practices refining his game and capped it with a solid showing in what was a 38-19 defeat to Ole Miss.

Taylor was 15-of-31 in his start against the Rebels and had 178 yards and an interception. The big difference he showed was the ability to escape the pocket and he made Ole Miss pay with his 20 carries for 173 yards and two touchdowns.

Despite Shapen knowing that he wouldn’t be the starter for the Bulldogs in his final regular season game, Taylor said that he did his best to prepare the youngest QB for his chance. It’s something that he’s done during the last 11 months.

“Our relationship is great,” Taylor said of Shapen. “He’s the reason that I came so far as a freshman. Just going in there picking his mind, competing with him every day and him being very supportive of me. He’s like a big brother to me.”

Now, all eyes turn to Taylor and his future with the Bulldogs.

The skill set is undeniable and he showed maturity at times that could give the Bulldogs a real difference maker during his time in maroon and white. Taylor played in 10 games as a freshman and had 388 passing yards, four touchdowns and interceptions while completing 55% of his passes. His rushing ability was far and away his most productive attribute as he rushed 64 times for 428 yards and a team-high tying seven touchdowns.

Almost exactly a year from playing his final high school game in the state championship against Choctaw County, Taylor reflected on what he was able to accomplish. He also reflected on how much room there is to grow.

“I’m big on goals. I set goals and didn’t accomplish all of them, but I feel like I did straight as an 18-year-old freshmen,” Taylor said. “Coming in learning a new offensive system and playing with new guys was totally different. I could have done better, but it’s God’s timing.”