STARKVILLE — Mississippi State soccer might be in for one more electrical quarterback battle in Week 5.
The No. 16 Bulldogs (4-0, 2-0 SEC) are internet hosting No. 7 Alabama (4-0, 2-0) at Davis Wade Stadium on Oct. 3 (11 a.m., ABC) with an opportunity to beat the Crimson Tide for the primary time since 2007.
Commercial
Kamario Taylor is MSU’s starter who’s shot up the boards as a contender for the Heisman Trophy. Keelon Russell can also be off to a implausible begin as Alabama’s quarterback, particularly within the final two video games. Each are sophomores.
“Kamario Taylor is a implausible quarterback,” Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack mentioned Sept. 28. “He could also be the very best that we have confronted within the final three years since I have been right here.”
This is a comparability of the Class of 2025 quarterbacks.
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – SEPTEMBER 05: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after scoring a landing through the first half of the sport in opposition to the ULM Warhawksat Davis Wade Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photograph by Justin Ford/Getty Photographs)
(Justin Ford, Getty Photographs)
1 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – SEPTEMBER 05: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after scoring a landing through the first half of the sport in opposition to the ULM Warhawksat Davis Wade Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photograph by Justin Ford/Getty Photographs)
(Justin Ford, Getty Photographs)
2 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) passes the ball through the first quarter in opposition to the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn Photographs
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES through Reuters Join)
3 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball for a landing through the first quarter in opposition to the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn Photographs
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES through Reuters Join)
4 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – SEPTEMBER 05: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs seems to be to move through the first half of the sport in opposition to the ULM Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photograph by Justin Ford/Getty Photographs)
(Justin Ford, Getty Photographs)
5 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball for a landing through the first quarter in opposition to the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn Photographs
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES through Reuters Join)
6 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Jul 23, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) speaks to the press throughout SEC Soccer Kickoff Media Day on the Tampa Marriott. Obligatory Credit score: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Photographs
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES through Reuters Join)
7 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Jan 2, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) leaps for a landing try in opposition to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons through the second half at Financial institution of America Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs)
8 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Jan 2, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) leaps for a landing try in opposition to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons through the second half at Financial institution of America Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs)
9 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 02: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs seems to be to move the ball through the second half of the 2026 Duke’s Mayo Bowl in opposition to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Financial institution of America Stadium on January 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photograph by David Jensen/Getty Photographs)
(David Jensen, Getty Photographs)
10 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 02: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs leaves the sector after an harm through the second half of the 2026 Duke’s Mayo Bowl in opposition to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Financial institution of America Stadium on January 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photograph by David Jensen/Getty Photographs)
(David Jensen, Getty Photographs)
11 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 02: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs leaves the sector after an harm through the second half of the 2026 Duke’s Mayo Bowl in opposition to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Financial institution of America Stadium on January 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photograph by David Jensen/Getty Photographs)
(David Jensen, Getty Photographs)
12 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs to attain a landing in opposition to the Mississippi Rebels within the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn Photographs
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn Photographs)
13 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) carries the ball for a landing throughout a university soccer sport between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 within the Egg Bowl.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger)
14 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) carries the ball throughout a university soccer sport between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 within the Egg Bowl.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger)
15 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) passes the ball throughout a university soccer sport between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. The Egg Bowl sport marks the 122nd assembly between the 2 groups.
(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger)
16 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) celebrates after scoring a landing in opposition to the Mississippi Rebels within the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn Photographs
(Petre Thomas, Petre Thomas-Imagn Photographs)
17 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) reacts after a landing in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs through the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs)
18 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs for a landing in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs through the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs)
19 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 08: Jeff Lebby of the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a landing through the first half in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photograph by Justin Ford/Getty Photographs)
(Justin Ford, Getty Photographs)
20 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs for a landing in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs through the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs)
21 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) reacts after a landing in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs through the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs)
22 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 08: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Ricky Johnson #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a landing through the first half in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photograph by Justin Ford/Getty Photographs)
(Justin Ford, Getty Photographs)
23 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs with the ball in opposition to Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) through the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs)
24 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 08: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs carries the ball through the second half in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photograph by Justin Ford/Getty Photographs)
(Justin Ford, Getty Photographs)
25 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 08: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs seems to be to move through the second half in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photograph by Justin Ford/Getty Photographs)
(Justin Ford, Getty Photographs)
26 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 08: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs seems to be to move through the second half in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photograph by Justin Ford/Getty Photographs)
(Justin Ford, Getty Photographs)
27 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) seems to be on earlier than a play in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs through the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs)
28 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) seems to be to move the ball in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs through the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs)
29 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – NOVEMBER 01: Kamario Taylor #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs throws a move within the second half throughout a sport in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 38-35. (Photograph by Wesley Hitt/Getty Photographs)
(Wesley Hitt, Getty Photographs)
30 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 1, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) scores a landing through the third quarter in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Bulldogs received 38-35. Obligatory Credit score: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Photographs
(Nelson Chenault, Nelson Chenault-Imagn Photographs)
31 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 1, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) rushes through the third quarter in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Bulldogs received 38-35. Obligatory Credit score: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Photographs
(Nelson Chenault, Nelson Chenault-Imagn Photographs)
32 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 1, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring a landing through the third quarter in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Bulldogs received 38-35. Obligatory Credit score: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Photographs
(Nelson Chenault, Nelson Chenault-Imagn Photographs)
33 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Nov 1, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring a landing through the third quarter in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Bulldogs received 38-35. Obligatory Credit score: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Photographs
(Nelson Chenault, Nelson Chenault-Imagn Photographs)
34 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Sep 13, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) dives with the ball in opposition to Alcorn State Braves defensive again Patrick Kince Jr. (17) through the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs
(Wesley Hale, Wesley Hale-Imagn Photographs)
35 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Mississippi State freshman quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) makes an attempt a move through the Spring sport at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Apr. 19, 2025.
(Austin Frayser/Particular to the Clarion Ledger)
36 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) throws a ball over the center through the spring sport at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Apr. 19, 2025.
(Austin Frayser/Particular to the Clarion Ledger)
37 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Noxubee County’s Kamario Taylor (1) seems to be for a gap in opposition to Choctaw County through the MHSAA 3A championship sport in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
(Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger)
38 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Noxubee County’s Kamario Taylor (1) seems to be for a gap in opposition to Choctaw County through the MHSAA 3A championship sport in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
(Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger)
39 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Noxubee County quarterback KaMario Taylor, photographed in Ridgeland, Miss., Aug. 10, 2024, is a member of the 2024 Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen.
(Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger)
40 / 40
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State quarterback for Bulldogs, coach Jeff Lebby
Noxubee County quarterback KaMario Taylor, photographed in Ridgeland, Miss., Aug. 10, 2024, is a member of the 2024 Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen.
(Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger)
Taylor and Russell had been high-profile recruits within the 2025 recruiting class. Russell, a Duncanville, Texas, native, was a five-star and the No. 2 QB within the class, in keeping with the 247Sports Composite rankings. Taylor, the Macon native, was a four-star and the No. 11 quarterback.
Commercial
“That is my man,” Russell mentioned of Taylor after Alabama’s 49-18 win over South Carolina on Sept. 26. “We hit one another up nearly every single day via something. I like him to demise. He is a terrific participant and all people in right here is aware of of him. I can not wait to only get after it subsequent week with him. It will be a terrific sport. I am trying ahead to seeing him ball and want him the very best and every thing.”
Each quarterbacks are threats as passers and runners.
Taylor is tied for first nationally with 14 passing touchdowns. He and Russell are two of the 4 SEC quarterbacks with over 1,000 passing yards. In addition they have excessive completion percentages with Russell at 70.9% and Taylor at 69.2%.
Taylor is fourth amongst SEC quarterbacks in dashing with 185 yards and one landing whereas Russell is fifth with 168 dashing yards and three touchdowns.
Commercial
MORE: Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor passes Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss for Heisman odds
Russell is coming off an enormous sport in opposition to South Carolina the place he had 365 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns, 35 dashing yards and one dashing landing.
“We will have to maneuver him off his spot,” Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby mentioned. “We will should do a terrific job tackling. That is going to be an enormous piece of it. He has performed very well, he is been extraordinarily productive, there’s been explosive performs and he is acquired nice expertise round him. So, for us, it will be about making use of strain, getting our followers actually concerned and enthusiastic about what is going on on between these white traces.”
What makes Kamario Taylor, Keelon Russell barely completely different
Though Taylor and Russell are each sophomores, Taylor does have barely extra expertise.
Commercial
The Bulldogs utilized Taylor in 9 video games final season as a changeup to starter Blake Shapen. Taylor made the final two begins of the season in opposition to Ole Miss and Wake Forest. Alabama might be his seventh profession begin.
Russell solely appeared in two video games final season as a backup in opposition to Louisiana-Monroe and Jap Illinois.
This sport might be Russell’s second SEC street begin. He wasn’t implausible in his first SEC street begin at Kentucky, throwing for 188 yards, one landing and two interceptions with minus-9 dashing yards. The Crimson Tide trailed 17-13 at halftime earlier than scoring all 32 factors within the second half to win 45-17.
Since then, in opposition to Florida State and South Carolina, Russell has 685 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, no interceptions, 91 dashing yards and two dashing touchdowns.
Commercial
Taylor has tried 197 profession passes whereas Russell has tried 125.
Russell is 6-foot-3, 207 kilos; Taylor is 6-foot-4, 230 kilos.
Kamario Taylor stats vs Keelon Russell stats
Taylor has 1,192 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 185 dashing yards, one dashing landing and has been sacked eight occasions.
Russell has 1,192 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 168 dashing yards, three dashing touchdowns and has additionally been sacked eight occasions.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. E mail him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and comply with him on X @sklarsam_.
This text initially appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Evaluating star QBs Kamario Taylor, Keelon Russell earlier than Mississippi State vs Alabama
Yamaha outboards are renowned for their impressive speed and performance on the water. Whether you’re looking for a powerful engine for fishing, leisure cruising,...
7 Shocking Facts About Yamaha Outboard Motor Prices in 2025 Meta Description: Yamaha outboard motor prices range from $1,000 to $55,000. Complete 2025 pricing...
ss=”rank-math-highlight” style=”background-color: #fee894″>Linda Noskova from the Czech Republic pulled off an impressive upset to secure her place in the semifinals of the prestigious Bad...
