Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Shines in Gator Bowl, Inspires Next-Gen Talent/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In his final game, Jaxson Dart led Ole Miss to a dominant 52-20 Gator Bowl victory over Duke, showcasing leadership and resilience. Refusing to leave the field, Dart’s performance set an example for redshirt freshman Austin Simmons, poised to take over as quarterback next season.
Dart’s Legacy at Ole Miss: Key Moments from the Gator Bowl
- Final Game Performance: Jaxson Dart passed for 404 yards and four touchdowns on 27-of-35 completions.
- Leadership Example: Refused to sub out, inspiring teammates to leave it all on the field.
- Rising Star: Austin Simmons entered in the final minutes, completing a 34-yard pass and showing promise for next season.
Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Shines in Gator Bowl, Inspires Next-Gen Talent
Deep Look
A Gator Bowl to Remember
Senior quarterback Jaxson Dart capped his Ole Miss career in memorable fashion, leading the Rebels to a decisive 52-20 victory over Duke in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Dart’s grit and refusal to step off the field underscored his passion for the game and his commitment to his teammates.
Despite Ole Miss missing the College Football Playoff, Dart approached the game with intensity, ignoring narratives that non-CFP bowls were meaningless.
“I told my teammates, my coaches, and my mom before the game that I’m going to leave everything I have out on that field,” Dart said. “I’m just there for the moment, and I’m going to compete.”
Leadership in Action
Late in the fourth quarter, with Ole Miss holding a comfortable lead, coach Lane Kiffin attempted to sub in redshirt freshman Austin Simmons. Dart waved him off, determined to finish his final game.
“He refused to go out, which says a lot about him,” Kiffin said.
Dart’s attitude resonated with his teammates, including star defensive linemen Walter Nolen and Princely Umanmielen, both projected early-round NFL Draft picks. They continued to battle deep into the game, following Dart’s lead.
A Controversial Ending
Dart’s competitive spirit led to a late-game 69-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Watkins, prompting an apology from Kiffin to Duke coach Manny Diaz.
“(Watkins and I) told each other, if we’re going to be out there, we’re going to play football,” Dart said.
Kiffin admitted Dart sometimes takes his passion “too far” but praised his quarterback’s heart and commitment.
Simmons’ Moment
Austin Simmons finally got his chance in the closing moments, completing a 34-yard pass and displaying poise. Kiffin expressed confidence in Simmons’ readiness to lead next season, crediting Dart as a perfect mentor.
“(Austin) has had this big brother showing him every way to do every single thing right,” Kiffin said.
Dart’s Ole Miss Legacy
Dart leaves Ole Miss as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards, surpassing Eli Manning. Over three seasons, the USC transfer embodied the pride and resilience of the Rebels.
“You have a lot of pride when you play this game,” Dart said. “We feel like Oxford has given more to us than we could give to them.”
Key Stats from the Gator Bowl
- Jaxson Dart: 404 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, 27-of-35 completions.
- Jordan Watkins: 69-yard touchdown catch in the final minutes.
- Austin Simmons: 1 completion, 34 yards in limited action.
Takeaways
- Dart’s Legacy: His passion and leadership leave a lasting impact on Ole Miss football.
- Simmons’ Potential: The freshman QB showed flashes of promise, benefiting from Dart’s mentorship.
- Kiffin’s Praise: The coach’s father-son-like relationship with Dart highlights the quarterback’s growth and commitment.
What’s Next for Ole Miss
- Looking Ahead: With Austin Simmons expected to take the reins, the Rebels are optimistic about maintaining their strong offensive performance in 2025.
- Kiffin’s Strategy: Building on Dart’s legacy, Kiffin aims to cultivate the same resilience and competitive edge in the next generation of Ole Miss players.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.