MOBILE, Ala. — As the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl unfolds, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart has cemented himself as the week’s biggest riser, transforming from a mid-round projection into a potential first-round lock—and perhaps even a franchise-changing pick.
Dart, a former USC transfer who revitalized his career across three standout seasons in Oxford, arrived in Mobile widely viewed as the draft’s third-best quarterback prospect. But after days of commanding practice performances, sharp decision-making, and glowing reviews from scouts, his trajectory has skyrocketed. ESPN analyst Todd McShay now ranks him as his QB2 in the 2025 class, praising Dart’s blend of arm talent, poise, and leadership. Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky made an emphatic declaration on social media: “Jaxson Dart is going in round 1.”
Jaxson Dart is going in round 1
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 31, 2025
The buzz extends beyond the field. Team personnel have reportedly raved about Dart’s maturity in interviews and his ability to quickly absorb complex playbook installs—a critical trait for NFL readiness. With a strong showing in Saturday’s Senior Bowl game, Dart could enter next month’s NFL Combine as the class’s most intriguing quarterback wildcard, poised to solidify his status as a top-32 pick.
Why the Hype? Context Matters
While Dart’s ascent might surprise casual observers, the NFL’s quarterback market has repeatedly proven that demand outpaces supply. Last year’s draft saw JJ McCarthy, Bo Nix, and Michael Penix Jr. all land in the top 12 picks despite pre-draft skepticism. This year, teams like the New York Giants (picking third overall) and others in the top 10 could view Dart as a high-upside alternative to touted names like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward.
Dart’s college resume bolsters his case. At Ole Miss, he improved steadily each season, culminating in a 2024 campaign where he threw for 3,900 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while leading the Rebels to an 11-win season. His mobility, toughness in the pocket, and ability to stretch defenses vertically align with modern NFL schemes.
What’s Next?
All eyes now turn to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, where Dart’s athletic testing and throwing session could either amplify the hype or invite scrutiny. But as one AFC scout noted anonymously: “He’s checked every box so far. The arm talent’s there, the intangibles are there. At this point, it’s about which team falls in love.”
In a league where quarterback desperation reigns, Jaxson Dart’s Senior Bowl surge may just be the beginning.
