NCAAF News: Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart makes bold admission, hinting at preferred NFL team ahead of Draft

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is trending to be one of the biggest climbers in the draft boards ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. The signal caller for Lane Kiffin’s program put on a tremendous NCAA season in 2024, topping it off with an impressive outing during the Rebels’ bowl game. During the Senior Bowl, Dart spoke about one particular franchise and stated he believes would be a great fit for him.

Lost in the hype surrounding Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, lie many talented quarterbacks shaping up to be solid picks in the NFL Draft. Dart is among the most sought after gunslingers coming out of college, and many believe he is the third best QB, with a very high ceiling.

Lane Kiffin has been telling reporters and scouts for a very long time, and as the Draft approaches his words about the quarterback in Oxford have gained traction. Dart became a star on Kiffin’s program after transferring from USC in 2022.

Ahead of the NFL Draft, and during the Senior Bowl, Jaxson Dart spoke about his relationship with the Manning family, especially with the former Ole Miss quarterbacks, Eli and Archie.

Jaxson Dart #2 of the Mississippi Rebels celebrates after a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium on September 09, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dart made a bold statement about potentially imitating Eli’s journey, playing for Ole Miss in college football and joining the New York Giants in the NFL. “It would be a smooth transition,” Dart said about being drafted by the Giants, per On3.

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Dart was fortunate to arrive at such a closely-knit school in Oxford, one where the program is still closely followed by legendary alumni Eli and Archie Manning. Since his arrival, Dart has been taken under the wing of these NFL greats, and his production has reflected the impact of their guidance.

“My relationship first started with [the Mannings] when I first got [to Ole Miss],” Dart said. “They were one of the first families to reach out to me and it’s been special how our bond and connection has been able to grow throughout my time there.

Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning leaves “The Swamp” with a victory at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. Ole Miss upset the Gators 20 – 17.

“Doing different events with them and at the same time, them coming to games, shooting ‘Good luck’ texts, and going to the Manning Camp was also an amazing experience. They’ve been a huge asset to me and I look forward to continuing to build a relationship with them.”

Off to the Big Apple?

According to several draft analysts, Dart could be the third quarterback selected in April, with the New York Giants holding the third overall pick. With the G-Men in desperate need of a QB, and both the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns open to selecting a signal-caller, it’s highly likely Dart could fall into New York’s hands.