Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Declares for 2025 NFL Draft: A New Chapter Begins
The 2024 college football season is winding down, and the college football landscape is filled with shifting storylines, including players declaring for the NFL Draft. One of the most significant announcements comes from Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who officially declared his intention to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving behind a legacy at Ole Miss and setting the stage for his future in professional football. Dart’s decision is monumental not only for his personal career but also for Ole Miss football, as the program enters a new phase after his departure.
This blog post will explore the implications of Dart’s declaration, his journey at Ole Miss, and what the future holds for both Dart and the Rebels.
Jaxson Dart’s Rise to Prominence at Ole Miss
Jaxson Dart’s journey to becoming one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football has been nothing short of impressive. Dart originally began his college career at the University of Southern California (USC), where he showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman in 2021. However, his time at USC was short-lived, as Dart transferred to Ole Miss in 2022, seeking a new opportunity and a chance to prove himself as a starter in the SEC.
Under head coach Lane Kiffin, Dart quickly adapted to the Rebels’ up-tempo, pass-heavy offense. He emerged as the starting quarterback in his first season with Ole Miss, taking over for Matt Corral, the program’s standout QB who had led the team to a strong finish the previous year. Dart had big shoes to fill, but he rose to the occasion, leading the Rebels to a solid 8-4 season in 2022. Dart showcased his talent as a dual-threat quarterback, utilizing his strong arm, mobility, and football IQ to keep defenses on edge.
The 2023 season was a continuation of Dart’s growth. The Rebels finished with a 9-3 regular-season record, largely due to Dart’s consistency and playmaking ability. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns while also showing improvement in his decision-making and overall leadership. Dart’s ability to move the chains with his arm and legs made him a versatile weapon for Ole Miss’ offense, and his improvement from year to year only increased the optimism surrounding his future.
As Dart’s college career continued to unfold, it became clear that he had the potential to make an impact in the NFL. His arm strength, poise under pressure, and athleticism were qualities that drew the attention of scouts, making his eventual declaration for the 2025 NFL Draft a natural progression.
Why Dart’s Decision to Declare for the NFL is a Game-Changer
Jaxson Dart’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft is a significant moment in his career, as well as for Ole Miss football. While Dart still had eligibility remaining, his choice to forego his senior season and make the jump to the professional ranks speaks to both his confidence in his abilities and the path that he believes will give him the best opportunity to succeed.
- A Strong Year in 2023
Dart’s performance in 2023 played a large part in his decision to declare early. The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and Dart’s performance in such a demanding environment solidified his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. He managed to maintain consistent production while facing some of the toughest defenses in college football. The completion of over 60% of his passes and his ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run gave scouts confidence in his potential as an NFL quarterback. - NFL Draft Class of 2025
Another key factor in Dart’s decision is the expected depth of the 2025 NFL Draft. The 2025 quarterback class is expected to be stacked with talent, including names like Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (North Carolina), and others. Dart, with his mix of talent, experience, and potential, sees this as an opportunity to enter a competitive draft class, where he can prove his value to NFL teams. His decision to declare now is a strategic move to capitalize on his stock, especially with the trend of quarterbacks entering the draft earlier than ever. - Ole Miss’ Future Without Dart
While the loss of Dart will certainly be felt at Ole Miss, the Rebels are no strangers to transitioning from one quarterback to another. Lane Kiffin’s coaching style has proven to be adaptable, and the program will likely continue to find success even without Dart under center. However, losing a player of Dart’s caliber will undoubtedly leave a gap. This transition will require Kiffin to recruit and develop a new signal-caller, and perhaps find someone capable of replicating Dart’s dual-threat abilities.
For Dart, the timing of his decision allows him to leave Ole Miss on a high note, following a successful season. By declaring for the NFL Draft now, Dart ensures that his legacy in Oxford remains strong, and he sets himself up for a smooth transition into the professional ranks.
What the NFL Can Expect From Jaxson Dart
NFL teams scouting Jaxson Dart will be particularly interested in his ability to perform under pressure and his dual-threat capabilities. Dart has the physical tools to be a top NFL prospect, but there are still areas of his game that will require refinement.
- Arm Strength and Accuracy
Dart’s arm strength is one of his biggest assets. He can make every throw on the field, from deep passes to quick slants. However, his accuracy can sometimes be inconsistent, especially on longer throws. In the NFL, where precision is crucial, Dart will need to hone his mechanics to ensure that his passes hit their mark more consistently. - Mobility and Playmaking Ability
Dart’s mobility is another standout feature that could help him thrive in the NFL. His ability to extend plays with his legs and escape pressure is an asset that many NFL teams value, especially in today’s pass-heavy, mobile quarterback-driven league. He has shown that he can be an effective runner, but he will need to fine-tune his decision-making to avoid taking unnecessary hits at the next level. - Football IQ and Leadership
Throughout his career, Dart has shown poise and maturity beyond his years. His football IQ is strong, and he’s demonstrated a good understanding of reading defenses and making quick decisions under pressure. His leadership on and off the field will be something that NFL teams look for as they try to develop a young quarterback with long-term potential.
The Future of Ole Miss Football After Dart
While Jaxson Dart’s departure marks the end of an era for Ole Miss football, it also opens the door for new opportunities. Lane Kiffin has consistently shown his ability to develop quarterbacks, having coached several successful signal-callers throughout his career. With Dart leaving for the NFL, Kiffin and the Rebels will now turn their attention to finding the next great quarterback to lead the offense.
Whether it’s through recruiting or the transfer portal, Ole Miss is likely to bring in a new quarterback who can continue to run Kiffin’s high-octane offense. The success of the program in the post-Dart era will depend heavily on how the next quarterback adapts to the system and builds upon the foundation Dart helped establish.
Conclusion: Jaxson Dart’s Legacy at Ole Miss
Jaxson Dart’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft is a pivotal moment in his career and the future of Ole Miss football. After a successful stint with the Rebels, Dart has shown that he has the talent, leadership, and potential to make an impact at the next level. His departure leaves big shoes to fill, but it also sets the stage for the next chapter in his life and the future of the Ole Miss program. As Dart prepares for the NFL, Ole Miss will begin its search for a new quarterback, and fans will be eager to see how the program continues to evolve in the coming years. For Jaxson Dart, the next chapter is just beginning, and the possibilities in the NFL are endless.