Ex-NFL star Emmanuel Acho couldn’t contain his excitement for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart after the Rebels delivered a stunning 52-20 victory over Duke in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Dart’s remarkable performance not only secured the win but also ignited discussions about his potential in the NFL.
Historic Performance in the Gator Bowl
Dart’s night was nothing short of historic. He shattered season records for passing and total offense that had stood since 2015, previously held by Chad Kelly. His stellar play earned him the Gator Bowl MVP honors, solidifying his legacy in SEC history. Dart surpassed 12,000 career total offensive yards, a milestone achieved by only four players in the conference’s storied past.
In the game’s closing moments, Dart showcased his incredible talent with a breathtaking 69-yard touchdown pass to a teammate—an unscripted play that left fans and coaches alike in awe. Head coach Lane Kiffin noted the spontaneity of the moment, emphasizing Dart’s ability to perform under pressure. With this victory, Ole Miss wrapped up an impressive 10-3 season, leaving fans buzzing about what’s next for their star quarterback.
Jaxson Dart’s NFL Draft Prospects
After an impressive college career, Jaxson Dart has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Following three seasons in Oxford, including a transfer from USC, Dart concluded his college journey with a bang. On January 2, he led Ole Miss to a commanding victory over Duke, further solidifying his status as a top quarterback prospect.
Dart’s time at Ole Miss has been nothing short of remarkable. He surpassed Eli Manning’s program record of 10,118 passing yards, finishing with an impressive 10,213 yards. His journey began with the USC Trojans in 2021 before he made the pivotal decision to transfer to Ole Miss ahead of the 2022 season, where he faced off against some of the toughest competition in the SEC.
Currently, Dart is ranked as the No. 7 quarterback prospect and the No. 42 overall player in the draft class, according to On3. Many analysts project him to be a Day 2 or Day 3 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, which is set to kick off in Green Bay on April 24. With his record-breaking performances and undeniable talent, it’s no wonder that NFL scouts are keeping a close eye on him.
Acho’s Enthusiastic Endorsement
Emmanuel Acho took to social media to express his admiration for Dart, tweeting, “How is Jaxson Dart not being talked about like a top 10 overall pick? Ole Miss fans, what am I missing?? We only talk about Shedeur and Cam Ward, but this Dart kid is out here SLINGING IT!!” This tweet encapsulates the growing sentiment around Dart’s potential to make a significant impact at the next level.
As conversations around Dart’s NFL prospects heat up, his performance in the Gator Bowl has undoubtedly put him on the radar of many fans and analysts. The excitement surrounding his future is palpable, and many are eager to see how he will translate his college success to the professional stage.
What’s Next for Ole Miss and Duke
With the Gator Bowl victory, Ole Miss concluded its 2024-25 campaign on a high note. The Rebels will kick off their next season on August 30 against Georgia State at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation. The upcoming season promises to be filled with excitement as Dart’s legacy continues to unfold.
Meanwhile, Duke is preparing for its own changes. The Blue Devils are set to welcome former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah, who has reportedly secured a groundbreaking $8 million in NIL funding over the next two years. This move indicates Duke’s commitment to building a competitive program, and fans are eager to see how Mensah will perform in the ACC.
Looking Ahead: Dart’s Legacy
Jaxson Dart’s record-breaking night in the Gator Bowl might just be the beginning of a larger conversation about his place among college football’s elite quarterbacks. As he transitions to the NFL, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he develops and performs at the next level.
With a strong college career behind him and a bright future ahead, Dart is poised to make waves in the professional arena. His journey from Ole Miss to the NFL is one that many will be following, and his impact on college football will not soon be forgotten.
In a sport filled with talent and competition, Jaxson Dart stands out as a player to watch. His ability to break records and lead his team to victory showcases not only his skills but also his potential to shine on the biggest stage. As the NFL Draft approaches, the excitement surrounding Dart will only continue to grow, making him one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s class.
