Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor Fully Recovered from Ankle Injury, Set to Lead Bulldogs in Spring Practice

STARKVILLE, MS – Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor has made a full recovery from an ankle injury sustained in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and is participating without limitations in spring practices, according to reports from the Mississippi Clarion Ledger [1]. The sophomore is expected to be the clear starting quarterback for the Bulldogs this season under new quarterbacks coach Kevin Johns.

Injury Details and Recovery

Taylor was injured during the fourth quarter of Mississippi State’s loss to Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on January 3, 2026 [2]. He was carted off the field after a low hit to the leg, raising concerns about the severity of the injury. Initial reports indicated the injury was not as serious as feared, and Taylor was able to walk off the field with only a slight limp [2].

Following the bowl game, Taylor underwent a procedure to address a sprained left ankle. However, Taylor clarified that the surgery was not directly related to the hit he took during the game. He described the procedure as addressing “wear and tear” from a previous ankle injury sustained in high school [1]. He was able to begin running again just three weeks after the procedure.

Strong Performance in 2025 Season

Despite the injury, Taylor demonstrated promising potential in his limited playing time during the 2025 season. In the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, he recorded 304 total yards and two touchdowns before being sidelined by the injury [3]. He finished the game with 13-of-22 passing for 241 yards and a touchdown, adding 63 rushing yards and a score [4].

Looking Ahead to 2026 Season

With a full recovery and the confidence of the coaching staff, Taylor is poised to lead the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the upcoming 2026 season. He enters spring practice as the undisputed starter, taking over from Blake Shapen [1]. Taylor expressed optimism about the team’s mindset and progress during the early stages of spring practice, emphasizing a level-headed approach to both successes and challenges [1].