Everything Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin had to say on the SEC teleconference on Wednesday
Ole Miss is less than three days away from kickoff against Mercer to open the 2023 season.
But now-fourth-year head coach Lane Kiffin (publicly, at least) is still no closer to naming a starting quarterback.
Jaxson Dart, the incumbent, is widely expected to get the nod. He even admitted Tuesday to being “absolutely” frustrated by the lack of clarity.
But Dart never relinquished first-team duties in spring practices or later in preseason camp, despite the added competition of decorated transfers Spencer Sanders (Oklahoma State) and Walker Howard (LSU).
“We’re excited about that room,” Kiffin said on the SEC teleconference on Wednesday. “It’s been really competitive, and the future looks bright. We’re excited to have two returning starters that have played in really big games. That’s a great situation to be in.”
Dart has seen this movie before.
He went into last season still caught in a quarterback competition with Luke Altmyer. He ultimately beat Altmyer out and led the Rebels to an 8-5 finish. Dart threw for 2,974 yards and 20 touchdowns. Altmyer transferred to Illinois, where he’s now the starter.
Howard has never really been a threat to Dart. Sanders, however, certainly has. Sanders was a four-year starter at Oklahoma State. His best season came in 2021 — his last fully healthy. Sanders that year finished with a very-Dart-like 2,839 passing yards and an identical 20 touchdowns. He rushed for 668 yards.
Last season was the first for Dart at Ole Miss following a transfer from USC. He rushed for 614 yards.
“I wouldn’t say it’s bad,” Sanders said earlier this week of his relationship with Dart. “I wouldn’t say we go out and get ice cream together when we’re at home, but we’re cordial.”
THE REST FROM KIFFIN’S TIME ON THE SEC TELECONFERENCE
On star Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins: “He’s really matured and taken the next step on and off the field. It’s a lot to handle. The Johnny Football special (on Netflix) was a remainder of how hard it is at that age to handle success. He’s done a great job with that.”
On the Ole Miss offense: “We change a lot based on our players with schematics offensively. Trying to do the best thing for the players, as opposed to, ‘This is our system, and you have to fit into it.’
“It’s exciting every year not to look the same.”
On the new coaching staff additions on defense: “We’re familiar with (safeties coach Wes Neighbors) from Alabama and FAU. Excited to bring him back. He has great knowledge and has been a good fit with (first-year Ole Miss defensive coordinator and linebackers) coach Pete Golding with their backgrounds and similar defenses learning at Alabama.”
On Mercer, Ole Miss’ season-opening opponent: “Just like the year before, they play really hard and really aggressive. They’re very well-coached (and) give you problems formationally offensively. On defense, they play hard. Not complicated, but they know exactly what they’re doing.”
On the season ahead: “We’re excited to play and be on the field with a ton of new players and a lot of new coaches. Also, playing in front of our home fans. Hopefully we can get back on a winning streak. Anytime you end the season not on a great note like last year (Ole Miss lost five of its last six), you’re even more excited to start new.”
