Kamario Taylor made his MSU second start at quarterback, but MSU struggled to block Wake Forest, especially in the run game. MSU kicked three field goals in the first half and had no touchdowns. The Demon Deacons also returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Mississippi State football gets a wild Mayo Bowl boost as Kelley Jones returns a blocked Wake Forest PAT for a Bulldogs score to make it 36–29

Mississippi State football's season ended with a loss in the Duke's Mayo Bowl, marked by quarterback Kamario Taylor getting carted off the field.

New for 2026 is a nine-game conference schedule with three annual opponents. Mississippi State's annual opponents for the next four seasons are Ole Miss, Alabama and Vanderbilt. The Crimson Tide will play at Davis Wade Stadium on Oct. 3.

Can Ole Miss football and QB Trinidad Chambliss overcome the elite Miami defense? Fiesta Bowl predictions for CFP semifinals

Mississippi State Bulldogs football players coach Jeff Lebby is adding and losing in the transfer portal for the 2026 roster