Giants’ Bright Spot: Jaxson Dart Shines Despite Team’s Struggles
In the midst of the New York Giants’ challenging 2-11 season, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has emerged as a beacon of hope for the franchise’s future. The 22-year-old first-round pick, who took over as the starter just four weeks into the season, has displayed remarkable poise and talent on the field. With 1,556 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and only three interceptions, Dart has maintained an impressive 94.1 passer rating. His dual-threat capabilities have been on full display as well, with 337 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. This early success suggests that despite their current record, the Giants may have found their quarterback of the future in the young signal-caller from Ole Miss.
Much of Dart’s smooth transition to the professional level can be attributed to his collegiate experience under former head coach Lane Kiffin. During his three seasons with the Rebels, Dart developed into one of college football’s premier quarterbacks, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2024 and leading the NCAA in passer rating. His impressive college statistics speak volumes about his development – 10,617 passing yards, 72 touchdowns, and just 22 interceptions with a 65.7% completion rate over his Ole Miss career. Perhaps most importantly, Dart demonstrated his winning mentality by compiling a 29-10 record as a starter and leading the Rebels to three bowl appearances, including victories in the 2023 Peach Bowl and 2024 Gator Bowl. Along the way, he even managed to break Eli Manning’s school record for most passing yards, connecting him to Giants royalty before he even joined the team.
When asked about the recent coaching changes at his alma mater, with Kiffin departing for LSU and defensive coordinator Pete Golding being promoted to head coach, Dart offered thoughtful and mature reflections. “He kind of does some things that are unexpected,” Dart noted about Kiffin’s decision. “I’m looking forward to his next opportunity. Me and him just have such a great relationship, so I know for him, he’s going to put his best foot down and do some really great things for that program. I’m definitely excited for him.” His response reveals not only his continuing loyalty to his former coach but also his understanding of the business aspects of college football – a maturity that serves him well as he navigates his own professional transition.
Dart also expressed support for Ole Miss’s decision to promote Golding and maintain continuity with the offensive staff through their playoff run. “I’m definitely happy for Ole Miss keeping coach Golding at the helm there,” he shared. “I was also happy to keep their offensive staff, being able to come back and coach for the rest of the playoff. I felt like that would be kind of, like a disrespect a little bit, to not let those guys finish it out.” This statement reveals Dart’s continued investment in his former team’s success and his appreciation for the importance of stability and respect in program management. His excitement about Ole Miss’s championship potential – “Really excited to see their run to a national championship this year” – demonstrates his ongoing connection to the program that helped shape him into the NFL-caliber quarterback he’s becoming.
The timing of Kiffin’s move to LSU, which reportedly comes with a substantial $91 million contract containing some intriguing clauses, has created waves throughout college football. Yet Dart’s ability to maintain perspective on the situation highlights his emotional intelligence. While many young players might have expressed disappointment or even resentment at their mentor’s departure from their alma mater, Dart instead focused on the positive aspects of both Kiffin’s new opportunity and Ole Miss’s path forward. This measured response speaks volumes about his character and leadership qualities – traits that are serving him well as he begins building his own legacy with the Giants.
As Dart’s rookie season winds down, Giants fans have found reason for optimism despite the team’s disappointing record. In a season filled with struggles, the young quarterback’s development represents a significant silver lining and a foundation upon which to build. His performance has drawn comparisons to other rookie quarterbacks who found early success before leading their franchises to greater heights. While the Giants still have numerous roster holes to address in the upcoming offseason, the quarterback position – often the most difficult to fill – appears to be in capable hands. Dart’s combination of physical tools, football intelligence, and leadership qualities suggests that better days may be ahead for the Giants, even as his former college program navigates its own transition period. For a franchise that has struggled to find consistency at quarterback since Eli Manning’s prime years, Dart’s emergence represents a potential turning point in the organization’s fortunes.
