Kamario Taylor Becomes Highest-Paid QB in CFB, Latest Rumors on New Mississippi State Contract

Mississippi State sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor likely would've been the most coveted player in the transfer portal this offseason, but he reportedly won't be going anywhere.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Taylor is finalizing a deal to return to Mississippi State in 2027. Pete Nakos and Chris Low of On3.com reported that the deal is worth $7.5 million and could rise to $9 million with incentives, making him the highest-paid quarterback in all of college football.

Thamel added that the timing of Taylor's new deal will allow Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby to "build a recruiting/portal class around Taylor, as the school pitched Taylor on an uptick in overall investment."

"One of the things we realized is the level of quality players who are intrigued by joining Kamario at Mississippi State," a source told Thamel.

Taylor played in six games this season and led the Bulldogs (4-5) to a 4-0 start, throwing for 1,460 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. It was announced last month that he needed to undergo season-ending surgery on a toe injury, cutting his breakout campaign short.

"Over the last few weeks, I've worked every day with our medical staff and done everything possible to be out there with my teammates," Taylor said in a statement at the time. "Missing the rest of this season is hard to accept, but I know God has a plan. … My role will look different these next few weeks, but my commitment to this team won't change. I'll do whatever I can to help my brothers down the stretch."

Taylor's presence could help Mississippi State enter the national spotlight in 2027, as more talented players could be on the way to help lead the team to College Football Playoff contention.