Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor revealed at SEC Media Days that he and Ole Miss signal caller Trinidad Chambliss developed a close bond this summer. Both participated in the Manning Passing Academy in June and roomed together during the event, Taylor said.
Taylor, entering his sophomore year, saw the opportunity to learn from Chambliss, who transferred to Ole Miss after a successful stint at Division II Ferris State. Chambliss led the Bulldogs to a national title in 2024. Taylor, a Noxubee County native, committed directly from high school to Mississippi State.
The two quarterbacks have different physical builds and career paths. Chambliss stands 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds, while Taylor is 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds. Neither was expected to be the starting quarterback at their respective programs initially, but circumstances changed during the 2025-26 season.
Chambliss stepped into a starring role after an injury to Ole Miss starter Austin Simmons early in the season. He thrived and became one of college football’s top performers, finishing with 4,500 all-purpose yards and 30 touchdowns with just three turnovers. Taylor, meanwhile, started in the Egg Bowl and finished with 629 passing yards, 458 rushing yards, and 13 total touchdowns.
Both quarterbacks committed to their programs for the 2025 season, with Chambliss returning to Ole Miss under coach Pete Golding and Taylor staying at Mississippi State under coach Jeff Lebby. They showcased their skills at the Manning Passing Academy, impressing spectators with their arm talent and film study techniques.
Despite their off-field friendship, both players remain intensely competitive. Chambliss, who said he will hate Mississippi State for the rest of his life after winning his first Egg Bowl, plans to approach this year’s game as a must-win. Taylor aims to bring the Egg back to Starkville for the first time since 2022.
The upcoming season begins in September, with Ole Miss facing Louisville in Nashville and Mississippi State opening against Louisiana Monroe at Davis Wade Stadium. The rivalry remains fierce, but off the field, Chambliss and Taylor respect each other’s work ethic and talents, exemplifying the complex relationship between college football rivals.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
