BATON ROUGE, LA — Sophomore Billy Puckett, a former walk-on, is expected to be the starting quarterback for Mississippi State football against LSU, according to media reports.
He's replacing star Kamario Taylor, who was ruled out pregame after exiting the Alabama game with an injury. Taylor watched the fourth quarter with a boot on his right foot.
The No. 19 Bulldogs (4-1, 2-1 SEC) are playing at the No. 21 Tigers (4-2, 1-2) on Oct. 17 (11 a.m., ESPN).
Here's what to know about Puckett.
Billy Puckett expected to start at QB for Mississippi State vs LSU
Puckett would be making his first career start after rising quickly up the MSU depth chart. He was an unranked recruit from Jackson Prep and served as the scout team quarterback last season as a freshman.
The Bulldogs listed Puckett as Taylor's co-backup on the weekly depth chart with Appalachian State transfer AJ Swann, a fifth-year player.
Mississippi State has not said what Taylor's exact injury is.
Billy Puckett stats
Puckett is the only other MSU quarterback besides Taylor to play this season. He's 8-for-14 with 89 passing yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions and 24 rushing yards.
MORE: Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor has a new roommate. It's his freshman brother, Jayytee
Billy Puckett recruiting ranking
Puckett was an unranked recruit, according to the 247Sports Composite.
Billy Puckett hometown
Puckett is from Madison and played at Jackson Prep.
Billy Puckett height, weight
Puckett is 6-foot-0, 180 pounds.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Who is Mississippi State QB vs LSU after Kamario Taylor injury? Billy Puckett is former walk-on