Jaxson Dart Ready for Final Season at Ole Miss Amid Injury Rumors

Friday morning was a whirlwind for Ole Miss fans after rumors of an ACL injury to Heisman hopeful quarterback Jaxson Dart circulated on Mississippi State message boards. The rumors quickly spread from message boards to social media, gaining significant traction. Fortunately, Ole Miss Football swiftly quelled the concerns by posting a picture of Dart on the practice field with the caption, “Always putting in work.”

Ole Miss fans can now breathe easy, knowing that Dart is in top form as the team ramps up for its season opener against Furman on August 31. This assurance is especially comforting given Dart’s crucial role in the team and his impressive track record.

Dart, entering his third season as Ole Miss’ starting quarterback, has established himself as a dynamic player. He is 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 in 2022, Dart has been one of the most explosive quarterbacks in college football, with his 9.4 yards per attempt in 2023 ranking eighth nationally and his 14.44 yards per completion ranking tenth.

Beyond his on-field prowess, Dart is known for his toughness, often opting to lower his shoulder rather than run out of bounds, much to the delight of fans and teammates.

When Dart decided to transfer from USC, he had many suitors due to his status as a premier high school recruit and top transfer quarterback. His final decision came down to Oklahoma and Ole Miss. Reflecting on his journey at Ole Miss, Dart expressed contentment and a sense of belonging, particularly after the team’s first fall practice of his final season.

“It’s kind of crazy, looking back how fast things have gone by,” Dart told the Dispatch. “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.”

Dart’s first two seasons at Ole Miss were not without challenges. He initially faced competition from Luke Altmyer and later from Oklahoma State’s Spencer Sanders. However, Dart emerged as the starting quarterback, leading Ole Miss to its first 11-win season in history. In 2023, he threw for 3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while adding 389 yards and eight touchdowns rushing.

Senior receiver Jordan Watkins, one of Dart’s close friends and reliable targets, praised Dart’s decision-making and leadership. “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 for what he’s able to do on the field, but off the field as well.”

Following Ole Miss’ dominant 38-25 Peach Bowl victory over Penn State, Dart had to decide whether to go pro or return for one more season. Ultimately, he chose to stay, driven by the opportunity to aim for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff and the camaraderie with his teammates. “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.”

Dart also values his relationship with head coach Lane Kiffin, who has been a significant influence on his career. “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.”

As Ole Miss prepares for the upcoming season, Dart is more than ready for his final ride in Oxford. The excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead are palpable, both for Dart and for Ole Miss fans.

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Eric Boggs

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