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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 on Friday night.
Taylor, a freshman and Mississippi native, was going for extra yards in the final minutes of the game 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 game took place in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
He had escaped several tackles before being brought 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 went down.
Taylor remained on the ground in obvious pain as medical personnel rushed to his aid. He was eventually carted off the field to the locker room.
Initial fears of a serious injury were eased as 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 catches a pass before being tackled during college football Duke’s Mayo Bowl game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Bank of America Stadium. The game 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 and get more information,” he said. “I feel good to come 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 post on Facebook after the game that he suffered an ankle injury.
“Thanks everyone for the prayers it was his ankle but NOTHING 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) clutches his leg after an awkward tackle during college football Duke’s Mayo Bowl game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Bank of America Stadium. The game 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.
