BREAKING: Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor, RB Fluff Bothwell Downgraded to Doubtful vs. LSU

The center of Mississippi State’s offense may be missing when the Bulldogs walk into Tiger Stadium. One day after both stars appeared as questionable, quarterback Kamario Taylor and running back Fluff Bothwell moved in the wrong direction on the final report before game day.

Quick Answer

Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor and running back Fluff Bothwell were downgraded from questionable to doubtful on the SEC’s Friday availability report for Saturday, October 17, 2026, at LSU. Taylor is managing a foot injury; Bothwell aggravated an ankle injury. LSU linebacker Tylen Singleton remains doubtful, while Whit Weeks, Charles Ross II, Dashawn Spears, Phillip Wright III and Trey’Dez Green remain out. The final game-day report is due about 90 minutes before the 11:00 a.m. CT kickoff.

What changed in Friday’s SEC availability report?

The SEC’s official availability-report page lists Taylor and Bothwell as doubtful for Mississippi State’s road game against LSU. 247Sports reported that Taylor is dealing with a foot injury and Bothwell aggravated a sprained ankle.

That is a substantive change from Thursday’s report, when both Mississippi State playmakers were questionable. “Doubtful” does not officially rule either player out, but it signals a significantly reduced expectation that either will be available.

Why Kamario Taylor’s downgrade matters for Mississippi State

Taylor is not a replaceable piece in this matchup. The Mississippi State quarterback is the organizer of the Bulldogs’ offense, a passing threat and a runner LSU must account for on every option concept. His foot injury could affect far more than whether he starts: mobility, designed runs, scramble escapes and the timing of the entire offense all depend on how much he can push off and change direction.

LSU still has to prepare as if Taylor will play. A doubtful designation can change on game day, and the Tigers cannot build a plan around an absence that is not official. But the Friday downgrade forces Mississippi State to confront the possibility that its most important offensive decision-maker will be limited or unavailable in Tiger Stadium.

Why Fluff Bothwell’s downgrade matters for the Bulldogs’ run game

Bothwell gives Mississippi State its most physical rushing presence. If the aggravated ankle keeps him out, the Bulldogs lose the back most capable of turning a small crease into a punishing gain and keeping the offense ahead of the chains.

The combined uncertainty is the bigger story. Taylor’s legs and Bothwell’s downhill power stress different parts of a defense. If both are unavailable, LSU can play the run with fewer conflicting responsibilities and make Mississippi State prove it can generate explosive offense through other personnel.

What stayed the same for LSU?

LSU’s own injury picture did not improve Friday. Linebacker Tylen Singleton remains doubtful, while Whit Weeks, Charles Ross II, Dashawn Spears, Phillip Wright III and Trey’Dez Green remain listed out.

That matters because Mississippi State’s personnel uncertainty does not erase LSU’s own depth concerns. The Tigers may face a backup quarterback and a reshuffled backfield, but they will still need clean linebacker communication, disciplined edges and reliable tackling from a thinner defensive group.

What happens next before kickoff?

The SEC issues its final game-day availability report roughly 90 minutes before kickoff. With LSU and Mississippi State scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT on Saturday, the decisive update should arrive around 9:30 a.m. CT.

Until that report is posted, Taylor and Bothwell are not officially out. LSU must preserve both branches of its preparation: one for Mississippi State’s full offense and another for a Bulldogs attack operating without one or both of its central playmakers.

What LSU fans should know

• Taylor and Bothwell were downgraded from questionable to doubtful Friday.

• Doubtful is not the same as out; both players can still be cleared on game day.

• LSU linebacker Tylen Singleton remains doubtful, and five Tigers remain out.

• Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. CT Saturday at Tiger Stadium on ESPN. TigerHype’s LSU–Mississippi State game-day guide has the full broadcast, weather and availability rundown.

• The final SEC report is expected around 9:30 a.m. CT.

Frequently asked questions

Are Kamario Taylor and Fluff Bothwell ruled out vs. LSU?

No. Both Mississippi State players are listed as doubtful, not out, on Friday’s SEC report. Their statuses can still change before kickoff.

When is LSU vs. Mississippi State?

LSU hosts Mississippi State on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. CT in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. ESPN will televise the game.

What is Tylen Singleton’s status for LSU?

LSU linebacker Tylen Singleton remains doubtful on Friday’s SEC availability report.

When is the final LSU–Mississippi State availability report?

The final game-day report is expected about 90 minutes before kickoff, around 9:30 a.m. CT on Saturday.

Talk it out with LSU fans

If Mississippi State is without both Kamario Taylor and Fluff Bothwell, which absence changes your LSU score prediction more? Join the conversation in LSU Game Day.