Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor Ruled Out for Season With Toe Injury

Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor, one of the biggest breakout stars in college football this year, will undergo surgery on an injured toe and miss the rest of the season. The university announced the decision Tuesday, and said in a release that he is expected to make a full recovery.

Taylor suffered the injury against Missouri on Sept. 26. He tried to return for games against Alabama on Oct. 3 and Oklahoma on Saturday, and sat out the Oct. 17 contest at LSU. In both games he played after getting hurt, he was visibly below full strength and left early.

Sources told ESPN that Taylor pushed hard to get back on the field, but it became apparent that rest and time would not bring him to a point where he could be effective. Against Oklahoma, he appeared to aggravate the toe in the first quarter, limped to the injury tent and did not return.

In a statement, Taylor said he had worked daily with the medical staff in recent weeks and done everything he could to play alongside his teammates. "Missing the rest of this season is hard to accept, but I know God has a plan," he said. He added that his role will change in the coming weeks but his commitment to the team will not, and that he will do whatever he can to help "my brothers down the stretch."

Coach Jeff Lebby praised his quarterback's drive. "Nobody wants to be on that field more than Kamario," Lebby said, noting how much the team means to Taylor and how much he means to it. Lebby called him "the ultimate teammate and competitor" and said the program will stay with him throughout his recovery.

Taylor, a true sophomore, rose to national prominence early this season by guiding Mississippi State to a 4-0 start. The run included road wins at Minnesota and South Carolina, plus a home victory over No. 19 Missouri.

He ends the year with 17 passing touchdowns and 1,460 passing yards, while completing more than 65% of his throws. Standing 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he established himself as one of the most dominant and dangerous players in the country.

Taylor has also become one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2028 NFL draft, the first for which he will be eligible. It would not be surprising if he projects as the top pick.

Looking ahead, Taylor struck an optimistic tone. "There is a lot of football left, and I'm all in with my guys," he said. "Starkville is home, and I can't wait to be back playing the game I love."