On Friday, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart made history by surpassing Eli Manning to become the Rebels’ all-time passing leader. This remarkable achievement was celebrated during an Ole Miss timeout when the broadcast aired a heartfelt message from Manning himself, a testament to the legacy he left behind at the university.
Remembering Eli Manning’s Impact
Eli Manning, who played for Ole Miss from 2000 to 2003, was the starting quarterback for his last three seasons. When he graduated, he held the record for the program’s career passing yards with 10,119, touchdown passes at 81, and a passer rating of 137.7. His time in Oxford was nothing short of legendary, and he became a symbol of excellence for the Rebels.
For his impressive collegiate career, Manning collected an array of accolades, including the 2003 SEC Player of the Year Award, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and the Maxwell Award. His contributions to the game were so significant that in 2010, Ole Miss honored him by retiring his iconic No. 10 jersey.
A Legacy of Excellence
“We couldn’t be prouder or more excited to officially add Eli’s No. 10 to its rightful place among the retired jersey numbers in our football history,” said Keith Carter, the vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics. “Like Chucky and Archie, Eli left an indelible impact on our program and the game of football as a whole.”
Carter’s words resonate with the essence of what it means to be a Rebel. “His dedication, humility, and kindness over the course of his career epitomizes what it means to be a Rebel, and we look forward to celebrating him as a player and a person,” he added. These sentiments reflect the deep respect and admiration that the Ole Miss community has for Manning.
Jaxson Dart’s Journey
Now, with Dart leading the charge in career passing yards, fans can’t help but wonder if his jersey will one day hang alongside Manning’s. Dart has certainly made a mark during his time in Oxford, Mississippi. After transferring from USC, he stepped into the starting role and immediately made an impact. In the 2022 season, he threw for an impressive 2,974 passing yards and 20 touchdowns.
But Dart didn’t stop there. He continued to elevate his game, and in the following season, he recorded 3,364 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, all while maintaining a remarkable low of just five interceptions. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as those five interceptions are the fewest in Ole Miss history for a single season with at least 200 attempts. How’s that for efficiency?
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
As Dart entered his final season at Ole Miss, the excitement surrounding his performance only grew. He took the field against Mississippi State on Friday with a staggering 3,732 passing yards and 24 touchdowns to his name, along with just six interceptions. It’s clear that Dart has not only embraced the challenge of leading the Rebels but has also excelled in it.
What does this mean for the future of Ole Miss football? With Dart’s record-breaking performance, he has set a new standard for what it means to be a quarterback at this storied program. Fans are left to ponder: could Dart be the next great Rebel to have his number retired?
The Future of Ole Miss Football
As Jaxson Dart continues to shine on the field, the legacy of Ole Miss football is in capable hands. The excitement surrounding his achievements brings hope and anticipation for what lies ahead. The Rebels have a rich history, and Dart is writing his own chapter in it, one that could inspire future generations of players.
The comparisons to Eli Manning are inevitable, but Dart is carving out his own identity. He has shown that he possesses the same dedication and passion for the game, qualities that are essential for any great quarterback. With the support of the Ole Miss community behind him, Dart is poised to leave an indelible mark on the program.
As we celebrate Jaxson Dart’s accomplishments, it’s essential to remember the legends who came before him. Eli Manning’s legacy will always be a part of Ole Miss football, and now, Dart is ensuring that the future remains just as bright.
With each game, each pass, and each record broken, Jaxson Dart is not just chasing history; he is making it. What a thrilling time to be a fan of Ole Miss football! The excitement is palpable, and the future is filled with promise.
