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Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor appeared to avoid serious injury after suffering what appeared to be a gruesome leg injury in the final minutes of Duke’s Mayo Bowl Friday night.
Taylor, a freshman and Mississippi native, was fighting for extra yards in the game’s final minutes with Wake Forest leading by 14 points when he took an awkward hit to the legs while being tackled.
Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball against Wake Forest during the first half of Duke’s Mayo Bowl NCAA college football game. The match took place in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
He had broken free from several tackles before being taken down.
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Several videos shared on social media appeared to show Taylor’s left knee bending at an unnatural angle as he fell.
Taylor remained on the ground in visible pain as medical personnel rushed to his aid. He was eventually carried off the field to the locker room.
Initial fears of a serious injury were allayed when Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby expressed optimism after the Bulldogs’ 43-29 loss. Lebby declined to provide details on the injury suffered by the promising young quarterback.
Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) barely gets a pass before being tackled during Duke’s Mayo Bowl college football game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Bank of America Stadium. The match took place in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 2, 2026. (John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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“The initial reports have been good, so we will continue to evaluate them and get more information,” he said. “I feel good to go back into the locker room, to be able to talk, to talk to our medical staff and to be able to see Kamario again.”
Taylor’s mother, LaQuandra Conner, said in a Facebook post after the game that he injured his ankle.
“Thank you everyone for the prayers, it was his ankle but NOTHING is torn or broken. GOD had MY BABY covered and for that I say THANK YOU LORD,” her caption read.
Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) grabs his leg after a fumble during Duke’s Mayo Bowl college football game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Bank of America Stadium. The match took place in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 2, 2026. (John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Making his second career start for the Bulldogs, Taylor completed 13 of 22 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, while adding 63 rushing yards and another score on the ground.
