Mississippi State reportedly signed starting quarterback Kamario Taylor to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million for the 2027 season, making him the second-highest paid player in college football history.
The contract, which includes incentives, was detailed by The Clarion Ledger following negotiations between coach Jeff Lebby and the player’s representation.
Taylor holds an 4-4 record as a starter across two seasons in Starkville, including a 3-4 mark against Power conference opponents and 2-4 versus the SEC.
Despite having only eight career starts, the program felt compelled to meet the massive financial demand to prevent opposing Power conference suitors from acquiring him in the transfer portal.
As The Clarion Ledger reported, Taylor noted there was no doubt he would return to Mississippi State for the upcoming campaign.
If the Bulldogs had not reached an agreement, programs like LSU, Texas, Texas A&M, Michigan, or USC were positioned to pursue the dynamic signal-caller.
The total value of Taylor’s new single-season agreement accounts for approximately 27 percent of Mississippi State’s estimated 2026 NIL market value of $27.5 million, according to data from USA TODAY Sports.
Industry experts rank the agreement as the second-largest single-season contract in college football history, trailing only Darian Mensah’s 2026 deal at Miami.
That Miami arrangement included funds allocated to buy out Mensah’s previous agreement with Duke, alongside his playing salary.
Mississippi State officials prioritized retaining their home-grown talent to anchor a potential College Football Playoff run and aid in future roster recruitment.
Allowing Taylor to enter the transfer portal and potentially succeed at another powerhouse program would have dealt a severe blow to the university’s competitive standing.