Jaxson Dart’s NFL Debut Earns Top Spot in Rankings, Lane Kiffin comments on former QB’s performance
OXFORD, Miss. — This past weekend marked the first step into the NFL spotlight for rookies across the league — and for former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, it was a debut worth remembering.
Now wearing New York Giants blue, Dart made his professional debut against the Buffalo Bills and quickly showed why he was one of the most talked-about players off last season’s Ole Miss team.
He finished the day completing 12-of-19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown, good for a 106.0 passer rating. He also led the team in rushing, picking up 24 yards on three carries. Under his leadership, the Giants scored on three of the four drives he directed — one touchdown and two field goals.
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan wasn’t just impressed — he ranked Dart’s performance No. 1 among all rookie quarterbacks in their preseason debuts.
“Dart had the most impressive outing of any rookie quarterback in my mind because he was going up against some of the Buffalo starters and performed well in that setting. The Ole Miss product came in after Russell Wilson got the start and played the opening drive. In all, Dart was in the driver’s seat for three scoring drives on his four first-half possessions. Dart looked comfortable in the pocket, made tight window throws, and when the pressure started to get home, he showed off his mobility with 24 yards on the ground. His best play of the day was by far his 28-yard touchdown pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey. On top of hitting his receiver in stride, Dart completed the pass despite a defender crashing towards him and taking a hit.”
Tyler Sullivan on Jaxson Dart
That’s a dime on a nice go ball from Jaxson Dart while standing tough in the pocket and taking a hit
Drops it right in the bucket to Lil’Jordan Humphrey
That’s the type you like to see from the #NYGiants rookie QB
Roll with the kid this yearpic.twitter.com/sRQKY17kHz
— Jordan Silveira (@JordanTSilveira) August 9, 2025
That strike to Humphrey wasn’t just highlight-reel material — it was a reminder of the same poise and grit Rebels fans saw from Dart during his time in Oxford.
His former coach, Lane Kiffin, was asked about Dart’s debut Monday after the Rebels’ fall camp practice.
“So that was awesome to see. He’s doing really well and played well, and he’s really enjoying it. [He] talked about his relationships with the other quarterbacks there. I shared that with our quarterbacks today about how a united room, helping each other can be so beneficial. It’s great to see him play well.”
Lane Kiffin on Dart
The Giants’ are led by veteran starting quarterback, Russell Wilson. Dart is in a quarterback room that also holds another veteran in Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito.
As for the rookie, himself, he talked about his performance after the game.
“I’m excited to look back on the tape and look at the things I can clean up,” Dart said Saturday.
“I felt good about it. It was kind of my first time with a silent cadence, a road-game atmosphere. …I thought it was really cool that I was able to go out there early. On a lot of my drives, their ones were out there. So, kind of feeling the play speed of it all. Preseason is a little different with how defenses are going to incorporate. It was definitely a little faster, but I’ve had a lot of great practice going against our guys each and every day.”
Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart was cool under pressure in his NFL debut 🎯 pic.twitter.com/3teFrT6xDD
— PFF (@PFF) August 12, 2025
Daboll weighs in
As for the head coach of the Giants, Brian Daboll saw exactly what he hoped for.
“Just about what I thought he would do. Efficient, effective, aggressive, confident in the pocket. Some stuff we can work on, but he’s doing good.”
Head coach Brian Daboll
With Dart listed as third on the depth chart, Daboll chose to insert the rookie into the game second, following Wilson and ahead of second-stringer Winston.
“Look, there’s things he can be better at, but we missed some opportunities on third down, some drops that would have even been better for him and for us,” Daboll said.
“But he’s a confident young player. He’s improved since he’s been here. Still have a long way to go, but I enjoy working with him. I like his demeanor on the sideline. He sees the game well.”
Brian Daboll on Dart
A Promising Start for Big Blue
Sullivan summed it up plainly: “After seeing Dart’s debut, it’s hard not to be excited if you’re a New York Giants fan.”
Rebels fans know that feeling well. From orchestrating scoring drives to standing tall against pressure, Dart’s NFL career is off to a strong start — and if Week 1 of the preseason is any indication, the former Ole Miss QB could be getting ready to make some noise at the next level.
David Walker
David Walker was named Louisiana’s High School Player of the Year at just 16 years old and, at 17, became college football’s first quarterback to earn Freshman of the Year honors. He remains the NCAA’s youngest-ever starting quarterback, a distinction that has stood for decades.
Transitioning from a wide-open high school offense to Emory Bellard’s renowned wishbone triple option, Walker excelled as a dual-threat quarterback. He graduated as Texas A&M’s all-time winningest quarterback and served as a two-time team captain, helping to transform a program that had endured 15 losing seasons in the previous 16 years.
After his playing career, Walker coached and taught algebra at six Texas high schools before moving into private business. In 2011, he published his memoir, “I’ll Tell You When You’re Good,” a title inspired by the coaching philosophy of Shannon Suarez, the Sulphur High and Louisiana High School Hall of Fame coach who was a significant influence on Walker’s life and career.
Walker’s compelling storytelling in his autobiography reflects the breadth of his experiences in high school and college football, and it is an undeniable fact that he saw more action than any athlete in the history of the NCAA. Since 2013, he has contributed to The Rebel Walk, sharing his insights and expertise with readers.
