Star quarterback Kamario Taylor is finalizing a deal to return to Mississippi State for the 2027 season, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Taylor's new deal will be worth $7.5 million, making him the highest-paid quarterback in college football, Pete Nakos and Chris Low of On3 report. The contract could reportedly exceed $9 million with incentives.
Taylor had an electric start to the 2026 season, throwing 14 touchdowns in his first four games to lead Mississippi State to a 4-0 start.
However, he suffered a toe injury in September and eventually underwent season-ending surgery in October. Taylor is slated to return for spring practice.
His return gives Jeff Lebby a valuable asset to pitch in both recruiting and the transfer portal, Thamel adds.
A potential top pick in the 2028 NFL Draft, Taylor finished this year with 17 passing touchdowns, four interceptions, and one rushing score.
