BREAKING: Kamario Taylor, Fluff Bothwell and Tylen Singleton Out for LSU–Mississippi State

The final word arrived 97 minutes before kickoff, and it changed the shape of LSU’s Homecoming matchup. The SEC’s official game-day availability report removed the remaining uncertainty around three high-impact players.

Quick Answer

Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor and running back Fluff Bothwell, along with LSU linebacker Tylen Singleton, are OUT for LSU–Mississippi State on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The SEC’s 9:30 a.m. CT game-day report also lists Bulldogs offensive lineman DJ Chester as a game-time decision. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:07 a.m. CT at Tiger Stadium on ESPN.

What did the SEC’s final LSU–Mississippi State report confirm?

The SEC Football Player Availability Report lists Taylor, Bothwell, Zakari Tillman, Jalen Smith, Ayden Williams, Trevion Williams and Diesel Moye as OUT for Mississippi State. Chester is the Bulldogs’ lone game-time decision.

LSU’s OUT list is Trey’Dez Green, Whit Weeks, Dashawn Spears, Phillip Wright III, Tylen Singleton and Charles Ross II. The final report is the authoritative status update for the October 17 game.

Friday night, Taylor and Bothwell had been downgraded to doubtful. Singleton also carried a doubtful designation. Saturday morning’s report turns those probabilities into confirmed absences.

Why does Mississippi State’s offense change without Kamario Taylor and Fluff Bothwell?

Taylor entered the weekend with 1,450 passing yards, 17 touchdown passes and four interceptions, plus 159 rushing yards and another score. Bothwell led Mississippi State with 403 rushing yards on 74 carries and three touchdowns. Losing both the starting quarterback and the leading rusher strips two central pieces from an offense preparing for one of the SEC’s toughest road environments.

Parker Puckett is now the quarterback LSU must be ready to see. TigerHype’s Parker Puckett explainer details a limited college sample: 14 pass attempts for 89 yards entering Saturday. That makes LSU’s early plan simple—force the new quarterback to identify pressure, make full-field decisions and sustain drives in a loud Tiger Stadium.

The Bulldogs also must account for an LSU defense averaging 3.83 sacks per game. LSU’s pass-rush matchup with Mississippi State’s protection becomes even more important if Chester cannot go.

How does LSU replace Tylen Singleton at linebacker?

Singleton’s absence is not a standalone issue. He joins Whit Weeks and Charles Ross II on LSU’s OUT list, compressing a linebacker rotation that already entered the morning under pressure. The Tigers must manage communication, tackle cleanly in space and avoid asking one replacement to solve every problem.

The tactical danger is overreaction. With Taylor and Bothwell unavailable, LSU can attack a reshaped Mississippi State backfield—but reckless pressure would invite quarterback runs, screens and quick throws. Discipline matters more than a highlight-chasing blitz count.

Why is DJ Chester’s status a late storyline?

Chester is officially a game-time decision, not out. If he is limited or unavailable, Mississippi State would face another protection adjustment against LSU’s front. If he plays, the Bulldogs still must settle a line in front of a quarterback with little 2026 passing volume. Either way, Chester’s pregame status is worth watching.

What should LSU fans watch before kickoff?

Watch the Bulldogs’ first quarterback snap, LSU’s opening linebacker grouping and Chester’s pregame participation. The full LSU–Mississippi State game-day guide has the kickoff, TV and weather details.

The emotional opportunity is obvious: LSU gets Tiger Stadium, an early lead window and a visiting offense missing its most productive passer and rusher. The football obligation is just as obvious. The Tigers have to turn confirmed absences into controlled pressure and clean execution—not assume the scoreboard will handle itself.

LSU–Mississippi State FAQ

Is Kamario Taylor playing against LSU?

No. The SEC’s October 17, 2026 game-day availability report lists Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor as OUT.

Is Fluff Bothwell playing against LSU?

No. Mississippi State running back Fluff Bothwell is listed as OUT on the SEC’s final game-day report.

Is LSU linebacker Tylen Singleton playing?

No. LSU linebacker Tylen Singleton is OUT, joining fellow linebackers Whit Weeks and Charles Ross II on LSU’s unavailable list.

What is DJ Chester’s status?

Mississippi State offensive lineman DJ Chester is a game-time decision. He is the Bulldogs’ only player in that category on the SEC’s 9:30 a.m. CT report.

What time is LSU vs. Mississippi State?

LSU and Mississippi State are scheduled to kick off at 11:07 a.m. CT on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Tiger Stadium. ESPN will televise the game.

Which absence changes your prediction most: Kamario Taylor, Fluff Bothwell or Tylen Singleton? Debate it in LSU Game Day.