Jaxson Dart eager to make his SEC debut for Ole Miss

Jaxson Dart is ready to play in an SEC football game. Set to enter his first season at Ole Miss after transferring from USC, the quarterback has so far only been able to experience the SEC through a television screen.

But with the Rebels scheduled to kick off the 2022 season Saturday against Troy, that is about to change. In a Monday press conference, Dart detailed his excitement to play in front of Rebels fans at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

“I’m really just excited. I’ve seen a lot of things on TV and coming from the West Coast, I’ve never been able to experience an SEC game or SEC atmosphere,” he said. “You hear everybody say all the time that everything is bigger and better with the SEC. I’m really just excited to get out there and compete with the guys.”

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Dart is in a battle for the starting quarterback job with returning sophomore Luke Altmyer. The pair have been neck-and-neck all offseason and Rebels coach Lane Kiffin is still undecided on a starter with four days remaining until kickoff.

Dart has had his ups and downs this offseason. He struggled with turnover issues in the spring game, throwing two interceptions, but has reportedly made strides in the fall. Speaking about the battle recently, Dart made clear he is doing everything in his power to improve.

“Every coach kind of has their own approach on how they handle these quarterback battles,” Dart said. “Really, my mindset going for is trying to prepare myself like I am going to be the same. I know Luke is doing the same thing. At the end of the day, we just want to win. We’re going to do everything in our power to do that.”

Ole Miss has a 10-7 SEC record in the two seasons since Lane Kiffin took over as coach, and Jaxson Dart will hope to add to that win total should he be named starter. Ole Miss begins the season against Troy on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.