Taylor’s season-ending surgery reshapes plans for three Mississippi State players facing a playing time question

Rashada seeks a clearer role

Jaden Rashada arrived in Starkville as a redshirt junior after playing at Arizona State, Georgia and Sacramento State. He was a four-star recruit from Pittsburg, California, and ranked No. 7 among passers in the 2023 class by 247Sports.

With Taylor sidelined, Billy Puckett or AJ Swann remains atop the listed quarterback depth chart. Rashada has been outside the main competition, making the remaining games a chance to affect questions about his longer-term role.

Johnson offers an explosive target

The article argues that a new starting quarterback needs dependable options and that Johnson’s average supports a larger role. His limited catch total leaves room for the Bulldogs to use him more.

McWhorter could get a look

Freshman Brodie McWhorter was Mississippi State’s first official signee in the 2026 class. At Cass High School in Georgia, he threw for 2,167 yards, 27 touchdowns and four interceptions as a senior; he had not played in a game through September.

The redshirt rule allows a player to appear in as many as four games while retaining the year of eligibility. Mississippi State has five games remaining, including a Nov. 21 home matchup with FCS Tennessee Tech.