Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby has high hopes for his current quarterback room. In fact, at SEC Media Days in July, he called it potentially the best he’s ever had. And that might not be hyperbole.
Blake Shapen represents the experienced veteran presence; the returning leader from the year before who knows the offense cover to cover. Behind Shapen are two highly rated prospective starters for the future in four-star true freshman Kamario Taylor and sophomore transfer Luke Kromenhoek, a former five-star recruit.
Rating purely on potential, the room is easily the most talented it’s been since the Bulldogs had Tyler Russell and Dak Prescott under center in 2012-13.
Shapen announced his return at the end of the 2024 season after being granted an injury redshirt, and has been the clear starter from that moment. For Kamario Taylor and Luke Kromenhoek, it’s been a “constant battle” for the QB2 role, according to Lebby.
Given Shapen’s injury last year, the importance of quality backup options was more than apparent for Lebby and his staff, and the added depth is apparent going into 2025.
The starter
Blake Shapen: 6-1, 210 pounds
Graduate senior from Shreveport, Louisiana
Shapen returns for his sixth year of college football. He sat out his freshman year at Baylor and earned an injury redshirt in 2024 after suffering a fractured scapula against Florida.
The Baylor transfer posted solid numbers through four starts. He threw for 974 yards and eight touchdowns to just one interception, rushing for another two scores before his season-ending injury.
Shapen is the unquestioned team leader, the extension of Lebby on offense and someone the playcaller head coach can trust with the scheme. That trust is well-earned, and the only thing left is to keep him healthy.
“As hard as it was going through what we went through, for him being year two in the offense and for him to be able to come back, man, I think he’s got the chance to have a great year,” Lebby said of Shapen at SEC Media Days. “He’s been an unbelievable leader for his consistency, his buy-in, the way he’s worked, and what he’s done with his body being 212 pounds for the first time ever. He’s had great buy-in to understand that the biggest thing for him is staying healthy. We’ve got to do a great job of keeping him upright, keeping him clean, but excited about having him back.”
The backups
Kamario Taylor: 6-4, 230 pounds
Freshman from Macon, Mississippi
Taylor may not be ready to start for the Bulldogs just yet, but he’s got all of the talent and know-how to make an impact in the future.
A local recruit from just down the road in Macon, Taylor led Noxubee County to three consecutive Class 3A state championship appearances. As a senior, he accounted for 55 total touchdowns and more than 3,900 total yards.
A three-year starter for the Tigers, Taylor was a tall and physical player under center who possessed remarkable improvisational skills along with a talent for quick reads, extending plays and delivering powerful throws downfield and into tight windows.
The spring game may have been the first real showcase of Taylor’s skills to a wider MSU audience, and his deep throw to Ayden Williams was the highlight of the day.
Taylor has already earned praise from his coaches and teammates, and receiver Ricky Johnson called him a future Heisman winner in his session with the media last week.
The hype is real for the freshman, and he may yet get some opportunities as an understudy to show why.
Luke Kromenhoek: 6-4, 220 pounds
Sophomore from Savannah, Georgia
Kromenhoek joined the Bulldogs after a tumultuous freshman year at Florida State. The Seminoles finished 2-10, like MSU, and suffered a total collapse after winning the ACC in 2023.
The true freshman quarterback was thrust into action after an injury to DJ Uiagalelei, playing in six games while starting on two occasions, against Charleston Southern and Florida.
Kromenhoek recorded 502 passing yards and three touchdowns with 113 yards and another score on the ground.
The transfer sophomore was a five-star recruit in high school and ranked as the No. 3 quarterback in the Class of 2024.
Still a highly touted quarterback prospect, Kromenhoek chose the Bulldogs with a chance to battle for the starting role in 2026. He and Taylor are still battling for the backup role, but Kromenhoek’s experience playing in college may give him an edge for that spot.
Parker Puckett: 6-0, 180 pounds
Freshman from Flowood, Mississippi
Puckett committed to MSU as a walk-on last December after leading Jackson Prep to a district championship as a senior. He is unlikely to feature for the Bulldogs in 2025.
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