Ole Miss' Jaxon Dart Named PFF Top 10 QB Entering 2024
Is Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart the top signal-caller returning in 2024?
To some, maybe. To most, likely no.
That doesn't mean Dart can't be the reason the Rebels build off an 11-2 campaign in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot. With two seasons of experience in Lane Kiffin's offense, it's hard to imagine the former USC commit being ranked anywhere outside the top 10 regardless of the publication.
Most recently, Pro Football Focus listed Dart as the sixth-best returning quarterback ahead of the 2024 season, citing that while his draft stock could take a hit, his understanding of the offense should carry weight in Oxford to secure a spot in the 12-team postseason.
Dart took a major leap from his sophomore to junior year, improving his PFF passing grade by more than 13 points (75.2 in 2022 to 88.7 in 2023). A major reason for that jump was the significant stride he made when forced outside of the pocket. In 2022, he posted just a 42.8 PFF passing grade outside the pocket, which was 111th among FBS quarterbacks. Dart improved that mark to a 74.6 PFF passing grade this past season, which was 15th in the nation. Overall, his 91.2 PFF grade was tied for sixth among all signal-callers in the country.
Lane Kiffin’s system does provide one of the most quarterback-friendly offenses in college football, which at times makes it difficult to separate Dart’s performance from the scheme. On plays without an RPO or play-action, the junior had six big-time throws and six turnover-worthy plays. While that muddies his NFL projection, Dart still has a mastery over Kiffin’s system and is the driving force behind Ole Miss’ College Football Playoff aspirations next season. - PFF
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Dart completed a record-setting 3,364 passing yards for 23 touchdowns against five interceptions in 2023. He also averaged 3.3 yards per carry as a runner and tacked on eight more scores with his legs.
Dart's return is one thing, but the return of nearly his entire supporting cast is the reason for optimism. Tre Harris, Caden Prieskorn and Ulysses Bentley IV all elected to return to The Grove for one final season. Kiffin, who's entering his fifth season at Ole Miss, also added two more promising weapons from conference opponents in running back Logan Diggs (LSU) and receiver Juice Wells (South Carolina).
Georgia's Carson Beck took the top spot after guiding the Bulldogs to an undefeated regular season in his first year as QB1. There's an argument that Dart could be the more polished passer now, but Beck has upside and potentially could be in for a breakout run like the former was a season ago.
Texas' Quinn Ewers was the only other SEC passer named ahead of Dart. The second-year Longhorns' starter was a hit-and-miss at times last season while helping the soon-to-be SEC program make the College Football Playoff. When on point, though, watch out, especially in an offense led by Steve Sarkisian.
Missouri's Brady Cook rounded out the list at No. 10 following a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State. While his consistency kept pace for the Tigers in the passing game, it was Cook's legs that carried the program to an 11-win finish.
The Rebels open the 2024 season at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium against Furman on Aug. 31.
