As the NFL Draft approaches, one player whose stock continues to rise is Jaxson Dart, the star quarterback from the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss. With his impressive arm strength, playmaking ability, and rising momentum, Dart’s name has increasingly become a fixture on NFL scouts’ radars. Teams across the league, including those backed by billion-dollar franchises, are starting to show keen interest in the young quarterback, signaling that the future may be bright for Dart. However, despite this growing attention, a significant cloud continues to hang over his draft prospects: the so-called “Ole Miss Curse.”
The Ole Miss Curse has been a topic of conversation among college football fans, analysts, and NFL scouts for years. While it’s hardly a formal “curse,” the myth surrounding the program’s history of underachieving quarterbacks has persisted, casting a shadow over those who have come out of Oxford, Mississippi. Jaxson Dart, despite his obvious talent and increasing draft buzz, faces the challenge of breaking this narrative and proving that Ole Miss quarterbacks can indeed thrive at the next level. But the question remains: can Dart overcome the ghosts of Ole Miss past and carve out a successful career in the NFL?
The Ole Miss Curse: A History of Unfulfilled Potential
The term “Ole Miss Curse” is a bit of a misnomer, but it speaks to the unfortunate trend of quarterbacks from Ole Miss who have failed to translate their college success into long-term NFL careers. In recent years, several quarterbacks have come out of Ole Miss with impressive college careers, only to see their professional aspirations falter.
Take, for example, former Rebels quarterback Eli Manning. While Manning ultimately found success in the NFL and went on to have a Hall of Fame career, his college years at Ole Miss were filled with underachievement, leading to questions about his ability to succeed at the next level. His time with the New York Giants was anything but smooth, with his early years being plagued by inconsistency and criticism. Manning’s case is a reminder that even highly touted quarterbacks from Ole Miss could struggle to live up to expectations in the NFL.
Even after Manning, Ole Miss produced talented quarterbacks such as Chad Kelly, Bo Wallace, and Shea Patterson. Each of these players displayed impressive potential in college, but none of them were able to establish themselves as long-term starters in the NFL. Chad Kelly, once considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country, was drafted by the Denver Broncos but was eventually released after a series of off-field issues and poor performances. Bo Wallace and Shea Patterson also failed to make significant impacts in the league, and both saw their careers fall short of expectations.
This history of underachievement from Ole Miss quarterbacks is what has led to the creation of the “Ole Miss Curse”—a perception that quarterbacks from the university struggle to succeed in the NFL, despite their college accolades.
Jaxson Dart’s Rise: A Star in the Making?
Despite the ominous history hanging over Ole Miss quarterbacks, Jaxson Dart is different. Dart entered the college football scene as a highly touted recruit, initially committing to USC before transferring to Ole Miss. His physical attributes, including a powerful arm and impressive mobility, have made him a standout performer in the SEC. Under head coach Lane Kiffin’s dynamic offense, Dart’s playmaking ability has been put on full display, and he has quickly earned a reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.
Dart’s performances in key games have been eye-catching, particularly his ability to deliver under pressure and make plays with both his arm and legs. Over his time at Ole Miss, Dart has shown that he can be both accurate and dynamic, often leading the Rebels to thrilling victories in high-stakes matchups. His improvement year over year has not gone unnoticed, and NFL teams are beginning to take notice of his potential as a future franchise quarterback.
What’s most promising about Dart’s rise is his ability to thrive in a pro-style offense under Kiffin, who is known for developing quarterbacks for the next level. Dart’s understanding of Kiffin’s high-powered system, combined with his natural talent, has positioned him as a player who could make a smooth transition to the NFL.
However, despite Dart’s clear talent and the growing interest from NFL teams, the looming presence of the “Ole Miss Curse” remains a factor in discussions surrounding his future. While Dart’s performances have been impressive, questions remain as to whether he can break the trend of Ole Miss quarterbacks failing to live up to their college potential in the NFL.
NFL Teams Show Growing Interest: The $6.2B Franchises Eye Dart
Despite the historical skepticism surrounding quarterbacks from Ole Miss, Jaxson Dart has gained increasing interest from several NFL teams. These teams, some of which are backed by multi-billion-dollar organizations, have begun to see Dart as a potential solution to their quarterback needs. With an NFL landscape constantly on the lookout for the next great signal-caller, Dart is starting to emerge as a player who could be the answer for a team looking to rebuild or find their franchise quarterback.
The interest from NFL franchises is significant, particularly given the growing value of teams in the league. With franchises valued at upwards of $6 billion, including high-profile organizations such as the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Rams, the stakes are higher than ever. These teams are searching for quarterbacks who can elevate their teams to championship contention, and Dart has the tools to do just that.
Scouts have been particularly impressed with Dart’s physical attributes. His strong arm and ability to make deep throws with accuracy have made him an intriguing option for teams in need of a dynamic quarterback. Additionally, Dart’s mobility adds another dimension to his game, allowing him to extend plays and make things happen outside the pocket.
Teams like the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and Las Vegas Raiders—franchises with a long-term need at quarterback—are reportedly eyeing Dart as a potential solution to their quarterback problems. Given the financial resources and deep scouting departments these teams possess, the growing interest in Dart is a strong indication that the NFL is beginning to see him as a legitimate draft prospect.
The Challenge of Overcoming the Curse
Despite all the positive attention surrounding Jaxson Dart, the challenge of overcoming the “Ole Miss Curse” looms large. The weight of history cannot be easily dismissed, and there are many who are still cautious about placing their trust in a quarterback from Ole Miss, given the program’s track record with signal-callers.
Dart will need to prove that he is different from those who came before him. He will need to demonstrate that his skills and mental toughness can translate to the NFL, where the competition is far more intense and the expectations are much higher. While his college performances have been impressive, the NFL is an entirely different animal, and Dart will need to rise to the occasion in a way that few Ole Miss quarterbacks have been able to do.
One of Dart’s biggest hurdles will be proving that he can excel in a more traditional NFL offense, as college football offenses—particularly those in the SEC—can sometimes be a far cry from what he’ll experience in the pros. Dart’s ability to adapt to the pro game will be key to his success and will ultimately determine whether he can break the “curse” that has plagued Ole Miss quarterbacks for years.
Conclusion: Can Dart Defy History?
Jaxson Dart is undeniably a talented quarterback, and the growing interest from NFL teams is a testament to his potential. But with the shadow of the “Ole Miss Curse” still looming large, Dart will need to prove that he can overcome the historical underachievement of his predecessors. For Dart, this moment is not just about talent—it’s about rewriting the narrative and proving that quarterbacks from Ole Miss can succeed at the highest level. Only time will tell if Dart can defy the odds and establish himself as a star in the NFL. Until then, the pressure will continue to build as he enters the next phase of his career.