Jaxson Dart’s Ascent: Ole Miss Star Quarterback Surging Up 2025 NFL Draft Boards

It wasn’t that long ago that Jaxson Dart was a promising quarterback prospect with something to prove, transferring from USC to Ole Miss with eyes on more opportunity and a bigger spotlight. Fast forward to the 2025 NFL Draft season, and Dart has become one of the most intriguing risers at the quarterback position, catching the attention of scouts, analysts, and NFL decision-makers alike. His strong arm, improved decision-making, and leadership presence have him climbing draft boards across the league, turning heads in what was once considered a crowded QB class.

Dart’s journey hasn’t been linear, but it has been filled with growth. After an up-and-down true freshman campaign at USC, he made the bold choice to transfer, joining Lane Kiffin’s program in Oxford. The gamble paid off. Over two full seasons as the Rebels’ starting quarterback, Dart matured into a capable and confident leader who could control an SEC offense. In his final season at Ole Miss, he passed for over 3,000 yards with a touchdown-to-interception ratio that demonstrated significant growth in his decision-making. More importantly, he showed poise in big moments, a trait that NFL teams value immensely.

What’s driving Dart’s draft surge isn’t just the box score. NFL personnel evaluators have had their eyes on Dart since the Senior Bowl and combine, where he impressed with his footwork, command of the huddle, and ability to throw with velocity and touch. But it’s the way he’s reportedly crushed interviews and workouts behind closed doors that has really pushed him into the national conversation.

According to several reports from league insiders, multiple teams have held private workouts with Dart, including the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants—two franchises looking to reset or eventually transition at quarterback. The Raiders, with a new coaching staff in place, are rumored to be intrigued by Dart’s intangibles and athleticism. Meanwhile, the Giants, who added veteran competition in the offseason, view Dart as a developmental option who could be groomed behind a bridge starter before taking over long term.

Scouting-wise, Dart checks a lot of boxes. He’s got prototypical size at 6-foot-3 and over 210 pounds, which gives him the stature NFL evaluators love. He throws with excellent velocity and is particularly effective on intermediate throws, especially when rolling out of the pocket. At Ole Miss, he displayed a knack for extending plays without panicking—something that has become increasingly vital in the modern NFL where quarterbacks are asked to improvise as much as they are to execute within structure.

But what has made Dart so compelling during this pre-draft cycle is how much he’s cleaned up the rough edges in his game. Accuracy, especially on throws across the middle, has seen an uptick. His mechanics, once a bit sloppy, have become much more consistent. Lane Kiffin deserves credit for putting Dart in a system that helped his quarterback thrive, but much of the credit also goes to Dart for absorbing coaching and showing a desire to improve.

Leadership has also become a defining trait. Those who’ve been around the Ole Miss program speak glowingly about Dart’s work ethic and ability to command respect in the locker room. He’s been described as “tough as nails,” willing to take hits to make plays and rally his teammates in high-pressure situations. That type of grit matters at the next level.

Some evaluators have even suggested Dart could be a surprise late first-round pick depending on how the top of the quarterback class shakes out. While big names like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward have dominated headlines, there’s a growing belief that Dart’s maturity, readiness, and upside make him one of the safest value picks in the draft.

Mock drafts have begun to reflect that buzz. Once projected in the third or fourth round, Dart is now consistently showing up in the second round, with a few mock scenarios even placing him as high as the back half of Round 1. Teams that don’t need a quarterback right away—but want to secure a talented prospect for the future—are especially paying attention.

One of the keys for Dart has been his final few games at Ole Miss. He closed the season on a high note, putting together a string of clean, efficient performances that showcased his growth. Scouts noted how he kept his composure against pressure-heavy defenses, worked through progressions, and didn’t force throws. Those final impressions have carried weight, especially as decision-makers dig into tape during draft prep.

Another factor working in Dart’s favor is the changing landscape of NFL quarterbacking. Teams are looking for players who not only have strong arms and fast legs but also possess the mental acuity to digest complex schemes, adapt on the fly, and manage locker room dynamics. Dart, who has faced adversity through a transfer and high-level SEC competition, has proven he can handle those pressures.

The quarterback market in the NFL is also always in flux. With teams constantly reshuffling their depth charts, and the ever-present possibility of injuries or underperformance at the position, franchises are aggressively scouting and investing in young quarterbacks who can be molded into franchise players. Dart fits that mold.

There’s still work to be done. No prospect is perfect, and Dart will need to continue refining his reads and pocket discipline at the next level. He occasionally holds onto the ball too long, trying to make something happen rather than taking the smart, quick option. That’s a fixable habit, but one that NFL defenses will be quicker to punish. Still, for a player who has shown steady improvement year-over-year, teams feel confident in his ability to develop further.

In some ways, Dart’s draft rise mirrors his journey as a player. He wasn’t handed anything. He had to transfer, learn a new offense, build chemistry with new teammates, and endure the grind of SEC football. Those experiences have molded him into the resilient and competitive player he is today.

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, Jaxson Dart is no longer flying under the radar. He’s emerged as one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the class—not because of flashy highlight reels, but because of a steady, tangible rise backed by hard work and results. Teams value that. Coaches trust it. And fans will soon see which franchise decides to bet on it.

Whoever ends up drafting Jaxson Dart may not just be getting a future starter—they may be getting a leader, a gamer, and a player who’s just scratching the surface of his potential. One thing’s for sure: Jaxson Dart’s name will be one to watch on draft night, and it won’t be called nearly as late as it once was expected.