Jaxson Dart: Eli Manning is 'somebody that I really look up to'

With over 130 years of history, Ole Miss football has had its fair share of fantastic quarterbacks. However, none have found more success than Eli Manning. At the 2024 SEC Media Days, current Ole Miss starting QB Jaxson Dart pulled back the curtain on his relationship with Manning.

“Me and Eli have been able to grow a strong relationship through my time at Ole Miss,” Dart said. “When you go into a program, you kind of look at those records and you definitely have the thought in the back of your mind that you always want to chase that.

“You always want to chase after the best. He’s been a really good role model for me and somebody that I really look up to.”

In regard to Ole Miss football, Manning is certainly the best in the program’s history. The eventual two-time Super Bowl champion amassed 43 appearances with the Rebels. He boasts multiple program records, including most career passing yards (10,119), most career passing touchdowns (81) and most career completions (829).

In comparison, Dart has collected 6,338 passing yards, 43 touchdowns and 459 completions in 26 career appearances. In June, Dart and Manning reunited at the Manning Pass Academy, held at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

Manning liked what he saw from Dart.

“I’ve been to games. I’d seen him briefly, but [this is] the first time really getting to sit down with him, hang out with him,” Manning said. “Enjoy his personality. I was able to make some lighthearted digs at him. He reciprocated and did the same at me, which is fun. 

“That’s what it’s all about. Kind of makes it special for the group. Seems like a great kid. Got a good head on his shoulders, and I’m excited about his future.”

Experts around the country have high expectations for Dart’s junior campaign. On3’s JD PicKell predicted Dart to be the third-best quarterback in the nation this season, only trailing Quinn Ewers (Texas) and Carson Beck (Georgia).

Manning believes Ole Miss has a chance to have a special season with Dart behind center.

“I’ve seen the expectations before,” Manning said via Matt DeGregorio of WLOX in Biloxi. “It doesn’t always work out that well, but I think this year, I hope it’s different. I think it’s some true excitement for good reasons, and a lot of it is Jaxson Dart, and a lot of it is offensive line, receivers, and talent they have on defense. 

“Look forward to watching them, hopefully getting to some games, and hopefully they can make a good run.”