An NCAA quarterback earns more than some NFL quarterbacks

A $7.5 Million Deal to Stay in Starkville

Payouts to college football players are reaching new heights. Quarterback Kamario Taylor has agreed to a deal that could make him the highest-paid player at his position in the NCAA—earning more than many NFL quarterbacks, as reported by TVA Sports.

According to Pete Nakos and Chris Low of On3, Taylor has signed a $7.5 million U.S. contract to remain with the Mississippi State Bulldogs next season. With performance bonuses, the total could even reach $9 million.

This figure far exceeds the most lucrative deals of the 2026 season. Darian Mensah of the University of Miami had previously led the pack with an estimated value of 6.5 million by On3, ahead of Dante Moore of Oregon and Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss, at 5 million each.

The comparison with the NFL is striking. A third-round draft pick typically earns just over $1 million in his first season, and many players on rookie contracts earn less than what Taylor will receive in a single college season.

Loyal to His Hometown

Taylor's story has been the subject of much discussion this season. A native of Macon, about 30 minutes from the university, he grew up rooting for the Bulldogs. His uncle, Omarr Conner, was also a quarterback at Mississippi State.

After two impressive games at the end of his freshman season, Taylor received offers worth about $4 million from other programs in January, according to ESPN. He turned them down to honor his commitment to his team. When asked about this after a victory over Missouri, he said he “bleeds brown and white”—the university's colors.

His start to the season made him a Heisman Trophy candidate and propelled the Bulldogs into the top 15 of the national rankings. Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones, a Mississippi State alum, even announced in September that he would contribute financially to the university's efforts to keep its quarterback.

His season, however, came to an abrupt end. Taylor was injured during the 23-15 loss to Oklahoma in late October, and the university confirmed that he would not return to play this season.

This agreement clearly illustrates the transformation of college football since the advent of revenue generated from athletes' name, image, and likeness rights. More and more quarterbacks are choosing to delay their move to the NFL, as the money offered by the university exceeds what they would receive as professional draft picks.