Mississippi State is finalizing a new deal with quarterback Kamario Taylor that will pay him a reported $7.5 million for the 2027 season, according to On3. The figure could rise to roughly $9 million if Taylor reaches incentive bonuses built into the contract.
The agreement keeps Taylor in Starkville, where he has said he wants to stay. Before enrolling at Mississippi State, Taylor spent considerable time as a fan cheering on the Bulldogs, and he reportedly told the coaching staff he did not want to play elsewhere next season and was not chasing a bigger payday at another school, despite speculation from media pundits suggesting he might be better off leaving.
Mississippi State donors moved to make sure their quarterback was compensated regardless, aiming to remove any financial incentive for him to reconsider his commitment.
Taylor underwent surgery for a turf-toe injury suffered earlier in the season, a decision aimed at ensuring he is at full strength when the Bulldogs begin off-season training. With his return now finalized, head coach Jeff Lebby can turn his attention to building the roster around his star quarterback through the transfer portal ahead of next season.
The deal is a significant one for the Mississippi State athletic department, both competitively and from a marketing standpoint, given Taylor’s standing as a former Heisman Trophy contender.
The contract reflects a broader shift in college football, where quarterbacks at top programs are increasingly commanding salaries in the $6 million to $7 million range or more, driven by the combination of name, image and likeness deals and revenue-sharing arrangements now reshaping college athletics.
