Lane Kiffin reveals timeline on starting quarterback decision between Luke Altmyer, Jaxson Dart

After the departure of Matt Corral to the NFL, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin finds himself in search of his next starting quarterback. He has a couple of solid options in USC transfer Jaxson Dart and returning sophomore Luke Altmyer.

Saturday at the Rebels’ annual spring game, Kiffin got one of his last opportunities of the spring to evaluate both quarterbacks. Altmeyer showed off his dual-threat ability, rushing for 77 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also threw for 182 yards, but had a completion percentage of just 41%. Dart, on the other hand, struggled. The former Trojans quarterback completed just 11-of-30 passes for 166 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

In a press conference at the conclusion of the spring game, Lane Kiffin said he is not ready to name a starting quarterback, and that decision likely won’t come until sometime during fall camp.

“We don’t have to make a decision today,” the coach said. “We’ve got a lot of time left. Jaxson just got here and Luke’s had a year ahead of him. I would hope that Jaxson continues to improve as he logs more time in our system throughout fall camp.”

Ole Miss was without several playmakers at receiver due to injuries, including Jonathan Mingo and Jalen Knox. That could have made things more difficult on both Dart and Altmyer, and resulted in their lackluster performances. USC tight end transfer Michael Trigg led all pass catchers with seven catches for 89 yards and three touchdowns.

A true freshman in 2021, Dart started three games for the Trojans this past season. He played in six games total, finishing with 1,353 yards passing, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. His best game came on Sept. 18 against Washington State, as he threw for a season-high 391 yards and four touchdowns.

Altmyer brings past experience with the Rebels, having spent last season in a backup role to Matt Corral. He appeared in four games, finishing with 192 yards passing, a touchdown and two interceptions. A good majority of that came when he filled in after Corral went down with an ankle injury in the Sugar Bowl, as Altmeyer had 174 yards, a touchdowns and two interceptions in that game.

Turnovers were an issue for both quarterbacks in their limited time this past season, so Lane Kiffin will do his best to fix that before the start of the season. Ole Miss is set to open the 2022 season on Sept. 3 against the Troy Trojans.