Jaxson Dart gives emotional response on relationship with Lane Kiffin, Egg Bowl win

After Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 26-14 in the Egg Bowl on Friday, Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart embraced head coach Lane Kiffin. Following the intimate moment, Jaxson Dart discussed the emotions of playing his final regular season game as a Rebel.

“I just said I love him,” Dart said of his interaction with Kiffin. “It’s not always easy when you transfer, you go across the country and leave your family and whatnot. This place has taken me in, taken my family in, and I just love it so much.

“This place is near and dear to my heart and Coach Kiffin was my biggest influence, and somebody that helped guide me through this process.”

Dart, who is a Utah native, began his collegiate career at USC, where he spent one season. However, ahead of his sophomore campaign, Dart transferred to Ole Miss, joining head coach Lane Kiffin. Dart started his first season with the team and hasn’t looked back since.

In the win on Friday, Dart became Ole Miss’ all-time passing leader, surpassing Eli Manning who previously held the record for 21 years. In the victory, Dart completed 14-of-his-24 pass attempts for 143 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception.

Ole Miss finished the regular season 9-3 and 5-3 in conference play. The Rebels were expected to reach the College Football Playoff but, after falling to Florida in Week 13, it’s unlikely the selection committee will give them an at-wide berth.

With no more chances to impress the committee, Jaxson Dart sent a message to those in control of Ole Miss’ postseason fate.

“It means a lot going out with a win this season,” Dart said. “I don’t know what to expect going forward. If they let us get in [the CFP], we’re gonna make a run at it, for sure. But I’m just grateful that we were able to cap it off the right way for the seniors. These games are ugly, and they’re a lot of fun to play in, and it’s a great feeling beating State.”