Rece Davis Names Forgotten SEC QB That Will Pop in 2026

The Mississippi State Bulldogs have been one of the worst teams in the SEC over the past two seasons.

The Bulldogs are led by head coach Jeff Lebby. He took over before the 2024 season after successful stints as the offensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners and the Ole Miss Rebels. However, things haven't gone well in his first two seasons in Starkville.

Jeff Lebby Shows Promise in Year 2

In Year 1, the team was a disaster, finishing 2-10 on the season and 0-8 in conference play. Year 2 saw life as the Bulldogs went 5-8, but 1-7 in the SEC. The one win was over the Arkansas Razorbacks in the final seconds of the game.

But there is reason to be optimistic about the Bulldogs in 2026. They showcase one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, Kamario Taylor. As a true freshman, he was mainly used as a rushing quarterback in a backup role. He rushed for 458 yards and eight scores. Now, he's expected to be the starter this season.

Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) passes under duress. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rece Davis Believes Kamario Taylor is a Forgotten SEC QB

ESPN's Rece Davis is high on Taylor this upcoming season. On the "College GameDay Podcast' Davis said Taylor is the forgotten quarterback in the SEC that is in for a big season.

"Jeff Lebby, 1-15 in SEC play," Davis said. "They led Tennessee by a touchdown with two minutes (remaining). Lost in overtime. Lost to Florida by two; had a tough call go against them. Blew a 17-point lead to Texas. Keep finding ways to lose. But there is one major bright spot that is taking snaps from Ole Bully and Cowbell. But there is one major bright spot that is taking snaps from Ole Bully and Cowbell... he's probably the forgotten quarterback who will pop."

Can Lebby Finally Turn Mississippi State into an SEC Threat?

The biggest challenge for Mississippi State is turning close losses into wins. The Bulldogs have shown flashes against some of the SEC's better teams, but their inability to finish games has kept them near the bottom of the conference. Taylor could change that equation.

If the young quarterback develops into the playmaker Davis expects, Mississippi State could finally have a quarterback capable of turning those narrow losses into victories. After going 1-15 in SEC play through Lebby's first two seasons, the Bulldogs have plenty to prove, but Taylor gives them a legitimate reason to believe 2026 could be different.

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