Lane Kiffin Names Jaxson Dart Rebels QB1 Ahead Of Tulane Game
As media members were handed depth charts before Lane Kiffin's Monday press conference, a change was made to the order.
Last week, Jaxson Dart and Spencer Sander shared the front line of Ole Miss' quarterback spot with an "OR" separating their name. Following a 73-7 win over Mercer, Dart stood alone on top of the depth chart.
"He's the starting quarterback," Kiffin said of Dart taking over as QB1.
Dart and Sanders battled for starting reps throughout the offseason following an 8-5 2022 record. Dart, who started all 12 games in 2022, took a majority of first-team reps throughout the spring and fall practice. Sanders was limited due to injury in the spring, and later split time working with the 1st and 2s.
Dart was considered the favorite entering camp after throwing for 2,974 yards and 20 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, but Kiffin wanted to leave the battle open. Sanders, a four-year starter for Oklahoma State, had experience commanding a huddle and raised the level of competition once fully healthy.
Kiffin said at the start of fall camp he planned on naming a stater during game week against Mercer, but stated he wouldn't pull the trigger if there wasn't a separation in practice. On Saturday, the fourth-year Rebels coach elected to play the hot hand first before turning the offense over to Sanders midway through the third quarter.
Dart left little doubt among fans at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, going 18-of-23 for 334 yards and four touchdowns. Tre Harris made Rebels' history on the opposing end, becoming the single-game leader for receiving touchdowns at the start of the third quarter.
Carleigh Harbin-The Grove Report
Dart connected with six different targets before his day concluded. Harris, a transfer from Louisiana Tech, finished with a team-high 133 receiving yards. Jordan Watkins totaled 119 yards on six catches. Tight end Michael Trigg notched three catches for 44 yards.
"Jaxson did and did a really good job," Kiffin said postgame. "Now we'll go back and go to work this week and just get our players better. So, that was good to see. I know there's people out there who say, 'Well, people need to be named starters for them to play well.' (Dart) wasn't named the starter and he went 11-for-11."
The No. 22 Rebels (1-0) travel to New Orleans for a Week 2 showdown against No. 24 Tulane (1-0). Kickoff from Yulman Stadium is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.
