Rookie QB Jaxson Dart shines early as Giants fans take notice
Dart Throws Touchdown in Preseason Opener originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Jaxson Dart didn’t start Saturday in the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, but the rookie quarterback quickly made his presence felt with confident throws. After a tipped pass that was nearly intercepted on 2nd-and-five, the former Ole Miss star fired a strike to Lil’Jordan Humphrey with 11:59 left in the second quarter to give the Giants a 10-0 lead and spark early momentum.
Giants fans, who have watched their team miss the postseason the past two years and win just nine of their last 34 games, were happy to see their young quarterback making plays early in camp and showing poise under pressure.
Jaxson Dart is balling right now 👀
— Zach McKinnell (@zachmckinnell) August 9, 2025
It's still preseason, but this QB class could be better than most draft experts predicted a few months ago... Dart & Sanders have delivered in their first action (Ward will have his chance tonight) https://t.co/TXpbZZLZhy
Giants Move Up to Draft Dart in First Round
The New York Giants traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Dart with the 25th overall pick. After drafting Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, they moved out of the second round and back into the first to grab the quarterback.
They were impressed with his production under Lane Kiffin in the SEC. Dart began his college career at USC, starting just three games before transferring after the 2021 season.
At Ole Miss, Dart started 38 of 39 games, posting a 28-10 record. In his final season, he threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns with only six interceptions. He also rushed for three touchdowns, and in 2023 he ran for eight scores.
Dart was the second quarterback selected in the 2025 draft. Cam Ward went first overall, while Tyler Shough was taken in the second round. Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel were third-round picks, and Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders was selected in the fifth round.
New York Giants Depth Chart
Dart isn’t expected to be the Giants’ Week 1 starter. Russell Wilson sits atop the depth chart and went 6-for-7 for 28 yards in the game. Veteran Jameis Winston is second on the depth chart.
When Does Jaxson Dart Play Next?
The Giants finish their preseason with two home games. They’ll host the Jets on Aug. 16, then face the Patriots on Aug. 21.
Related: ESPN Makes Shedeur Sanders Statement After NFL Preseason Debut
Related: Video of Shedeur Sanders Confronting His Critic Is Going Viral
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
