Former Ole Miss Rebel QB Jaxson Dart Named Starter for New York Giants

OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss had 20 players signed back in April to their first NFL contracts, including eight who were drafted, headlined by quarterback Jaxson Dart who was taken with the 25th overall pick in the first round.

After a great preseason, Dart moved to Big Blue’s backup role, ahead of Jameis Winston and right behind starter Russell Wilson.

After an 0-3 start, however, head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have decided it is time for the Dart era to begin.

Dart has been named the starting quarterback ahead of Sunday’s matchup as the Giants host the Los Angeles Chargers (3-0).

BREAKING: Giants to start rookie QB Jaxson Dart. (via @rapsheet, @mikegarafolo) pic.twitter.com/geZclTtr84

— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2025

Dart has been on the field briefly in the regular season but has yet to throw a pass. When he has been on the field, it has been an read option or handoff situation to keep defenses on their toes. But he’s kept his head in the game in preparation for his chance.

Leader: Despite Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart rarely playing any snaps and being the backup to Russell Wilson, he still listens to every play call and practices calling plays on the sideline.

The future in New York is BRIGHT 👏👏pic.twitter.com/I0Zpv7VZKJ

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 22, 2025

While now-former starting quarterback Russell Wilson had a career night in week 2’s overtime loss in Dallas, his costly overtime interception and lackluster performances over the other weeks made Daboll leave the door open for a change under center.

And now he’s made the switch.

There’s a new starting QB in New York 🎯 @JaxsonDart pic.twitter.com/gXk20FIj8e

— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2025

Dart earned his first round selections after three years in Oxford becoming, statistically, one of the greatest quarterbacks in franchise history.

Passing Yards: 10717 (1st)

Passing Touchdowns: 72 (2nd)

Games: 39 (8th)

Yards Per Game: 272.2 (4th)

He also ranked highly in season totals such as:

Passing Yards: 4279 (1st)

Touchdowns: 29 (T3rd) 2024, 23 (7th) 2023.

He also set single-game records:

Passing Yards: 515

Passing Touchdowns: 6 (T1st)

Dart was also a true dual-threat quarterback who was not afraid of contact outside the pocket, fighting for every yard. In his three years at Ole Miss he totaled 1498 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

Dart will be facing off against his former wide receiver one, Tre Harris, on Sunday as Harris was a second-round pick to LA back in April.

Big Blue will look for its first win of the season as they turn to Dart under center. Fans can catch all of Dart’s debut on CBS, or through NFL Sunday Ticket for out of market viewers, at 12 pm CT.