Lane Kiffin reveals how Jaxson Dart’s past impacts future

Lane Kiffin has a quarterback battle to figure out but has two different players at his selection. On one hand, he has Luke Altmyer, who has been with the program from the start and was ranked outside the top 25 at his position in the 2021 recruiting class. On the other, he has a much flashier name in Jaxson Dart, who played for USC last season and was one of the top players in the transfer portal this offseason.

The Ole Miss head coach was asked if something like that would play a factor in his decision. Kiffin said the question was a valid one but shot the notion down quickly. Whoever wins the quarterback job for the Rebels will be because of their work throughout spring, into the summer, and finally in fall camp.

“That would have absolutely nothing with how we play players here,” Kiffin said. “We’ve got tons of examples over time. We don’t care how many stars you are or where you’re from. Whether you’re from the state or whether you’re not. When I got here, I was dumb for playing the other quarterback. We don’t look at anything that way. Doesn’t matter where he came from or whether he played or how many stars he is. It will have nothing to do with if he plays but fair question.”

Dart spent his true freshman season playing for USC, becoming the starter midway through the year. He put up decent stats, throwing for 1,353 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions in six games. Being a highly rated guy out of high school, Dart is thought to be the runaway favorite to best Altmyer.

Kiffin has struggled at times to really see who is emerging as the starter. A few factors have played in, with a lack of healthy receivers around being one. But a scrimmage will take place on Saturday where both Altmyer and Dart will be able to prove themselves to the head coach.

Replacing Matt Corral will be no easy task either, no matter who wins the job. He helped Ole Miss win 10 games in the regular season plus a Sugar Bowl appearance for their efforts. While he got hurt in the game, he will still go down as a legend in Oxford.

Dart could have the opportunity to do the same but if he can have the opportunity to follow Corral, it will be because he earned the job. Not because of his prior accomplishments.