Former Rebel Jaxson Dart was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Former Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Gets Answer on Giants Starting Job originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Ole Miss Rebels compiled a record of 29-10 over the last three college football seasons, earning their way into three bowl games and winning two. This success was largely on the back of quarterback Jaxson Dart, whom Lane Kiffin sought out before the 2023 season.
Dart, after transferring from Southern California after his freshman season, turned into an All-SEC player for the Rebels as a senior. This catapulted him into being selected No. 26 overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
New York also has veteran quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on the roster, which makes for a crowded room. Unfortunately, the New York Post's Paul Schwartz reported that head coach Brian Daboll said Wilson will be the starter.
Although just a rookie, Dart was hoping to wedge his way into the starting spot. However, it appears that he will have to remain patient with the Giants and hope to perform well enough in whatever opportunities he gets to supplant Wilson, a Super Bowl-winner.
Winston is also one of the premier backups in the league. However, Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have very little job security, so they could hitch themselves to the wagon of a rookie quarterback at some point during the season to buy themselves time.
While at Ole Miss, Dart collected 10,617 yards and 72 touchdowns through the air while also adding 1,498 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. This dual-threat ability should help him adjust to the NFL level quicker than the average rookie quarterback.
As for Kiffin and the Rebels, they will turn to a "rookie" of sorts this season, with first-time starter Austin Simmons expected to be under center for the opening snap of the 2025 season.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
