Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart has cemented himself among the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, earning a rare distinction that places him in the same conversation as Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Trevor Lawrence. Since 2010, only nine quarterbacks under age 22—with 30+ college games played and a final-season QBR of 80 or higher—have received NFL Combine invites. Dart, who turned 21 in December, joins this exclusive list after a record-setting senior year at Ole Miss, where he threw for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and a career-best 180.7 QBR .
A Prospect Built for Modern NFL Success
Dart’s collegiate resume reads like a blueprint for NFL readiness. Over four seasons (45 games, 41 starts), he amassed 11,970 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, and 1,541 rushing yards, setting Ole Miss records for career passing yards (10,617), total offense (12,115), and wins by a starting QB (28) . His dual-threat capability—evident in his 495 rushing yards and three ground scores in 2024—adds a dynamic layer to his game, forcing defenses to account for both his arm and legs . Scouts praise his toughness, accuracy in short-to-intermediate throws, and proficiency in West Coast offense concepts, traits that align with modern NFL schemes .
The Strengths That Set Him Apart
Dart’s intangibles stand out. Labeled a “gritty gunslinger” by evaluators, he thrives under pressure, delivering strikes in tight windows and showcasing elite ball placement . His 69.3% completion rate in 2024—a career high—reflects his growth as a decision-maker, though critics note occasional recklessness with ball security . Still, his experience in Lane Kiffin’s up-tempo, RPO-heavy system at Ole Miss has prepared him for the pace of pro football, even if his pre-snap responsibilities will need to expand .
Why Top-10 Buzz Is Building
Despite concerns about arm strength and deep-ball consistency, Dart’s pedigree and production have fueled speculation he could crack the draft’s top 10. NFL teams value his maturity (he’s the youngest QB in the elite group mentioned above) and proven resilience, having rebounded from an 0-3 start at USC to lead Ole Miss to a 29-10 record over three seasons . As one scout noted, “He’s a project with a high floor—a competitor who’s already faced SEC defenses and won” .
The Road Ahead
Dart’s Combine performance will be pivotal. If he tests well in agility drills and interviews, his stock could soar in a quarterback class perceived as underwhelming. For teams seeking a franchise cornerstone, Dart offers a tantalizing mix of proven production, athleticism, and untapped potential—a combination that has already reshaped NFL landscapes for Mahomes, Jackson, and others on his historic list .
