OXFORD – As he enters his third season as Ole Miss’ starting quarterback, we know a lot about senior Jaxson Dart at this point.
We’re well aware he’s dynamic – he’s only the third quarterback in program history to throw for 5,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in his career. Since transferring from USC prior to the 2022 season, Dart has also been one of the most explosive throwers in college football. His 9.4 yards per attempt in 2023 was eighth nationally, and his 14.44 yards per completion ranked 10th.
Dart’s toughness is already the stuff of legends in Oxford; he’s been known to lower a shoulder rather than run out of bounds, causing roars from fans at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and his teammates alike.
You might not know, however, that Dart considers himself a “foodie.” Not a cook, senior receiver Jordan Watkins is quick to note. But Dart loves to go out and eat. And his last few years in Oxford have provided him with plenty of opportunities to refine his palate.
“Man, I love City Grocery. I love Saint Leo. Tarasque is really good. Lenora’s is good,” Dart said. “I’m a big ambiance guy. I want to be, while I’m enjoying my food, at the same time get a good vibe from the atmosphere that I’m in.”
When he decided to transfer from USC, Dart had no shortage of suitors. He was a premier high school recruit – the Gatorade National Player of the Year following his senior season at Corner Canyon High School in Utah – and was among the top transfer quarterbacks in the portal following his freshman season. His final decision came down to Oklahoma and Ole Miss.
Dart isn’t one to generally reflect on where he’s been and what he’s been through. But as he sat in the Manning Center on Wednesday following the first fall practice of his final season at Ole Miss, it was abundantly clear from the words on his lips and the relaxed smile on his face he was most certainly home.
Dart is more than ready for his final ride in Oxford. And it isn’t because of the food.
“It’s kind of crazy, looking back how fast things have gone by,” Dart said. “ … It’s definitely hit me that time’s dwindling, but at the same time, that just pushes more excitement. And then, at the same time, (I’m) just living in the moment and just trying to find joy and happiness in every moment that I have.”
Following an uneven first season at the helm in 2022, Dart shined in 2023 as one of the most efficient, explosive quarterbacks in college football. He threw for 3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions and added 389 yards and eight touchdowns rushing. Dart’s first two seasons were not always smooth sailing. He immediately entered a quarterback competition with Luke Altmyer when he arrived on campus and, after winning the job a few games into the 2022 season, faced more competition in the 2023 preseason when Oklahoma State’s Spencer Sanders transferred in. As was the case the year prior, Dart held off all competition and took his game to another level, serving as the catalyst for the first 11-win team in Ole Miss history.
Watkins and Dart came to Ole Miss at the same time. As one of Dart’s most reliable receivers – and one of his restaurant buddies – since stepping on campus, Watkins has unique insight on his quarterback’s growth.
“His decision making, it’s just been out-of-this world. … The turnover margin that we had last year, we were one of the top in the country in turnover margin compared to whenever me and him first got here. I think you see a tremendous difference, and that’s what helps us win ballgames,” Watkins said. “But also his leadership ability. He’s really taken the reins of, not just the offense, but the whole team. I think everybody respects him, not just what he’s able to on the field, but off the field as well.”
Dart had a decision to make following Ole Miss’ dominant 38-25 Peach Bowl victory over Penn State – go pro or run it back for one more season in an effort to take the Rebels to heights they hadn’t been to in decades. After some deliberation, he and most of his teammates opted for the latter. A chance at the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff was hard to resist. But just as important were the people with whom he shares the field. You only get so many chances with your college teammates.
“That was probably one of the biggest things when it came down to the decision. … I have a lot of really good friendships here,” Dart said. “Some of my best friends are the guys I play with and, at the same time, my coaches as well. I just love coming to work every single day with them, and I find a lot of joy in it. … I’ve loved my time at Ole Miss. Just the culture and the atmosphere the fans create. I’ve fallen in love with it. And I just want to do it one more time.”
Another college season also provided one more chance to play for head coach Lane Kiffin. Ole Miss is 18-7 in games started by Dart the last two seasons. Kiffin was hard on Dart early in his career but has since become one of his biggest supporters. Kiffin has lauded Dart not just for his on-the-field production, but for his ability to bring teammates from all walks of life together. Dart has a future in coaching if he so desires, Kiffin has said, because he has a unique ability to lead.
Among the things Dart thinks of fondly in his Ole Miss career is his relationship with Kiffin and how it has grown and flourished.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a coach that’s pushed me as hard as him, especially on the mental side of things,” Dart said. “We’ve definitely had our ups and downs when I first got here, but I love him. And he’s the guy that I’d run through a brick wall for. So, I’m just grateful to have him in my corner.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 47 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
