Who Is Jaxson Dart?
Jaxson Dart is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Before entering the NFL, Dart established himself as one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football during his three seasons at the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss.
The Giants selected Dart with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, after trading with the Houston Texans to move into the first round.
Dart entered the NFL after a remarkable college career that included more than 11,900 passing yards, 81 passing touchdowns and 27 interceptions across his four college seasons at USC and Ole Miss.
His combination of arm strength, mobility, deep-passing ability and competitive style made him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2025 draft class.
Today, Jaxson Dart is part of the Giants' long-term quarterback plans, although his development remains an ongoing story as he adjusts to the demands of the NFL.
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Jaxson Dart Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jaxson Dart |
| Position | Quarterback |
| NFL Team | New York Giants |
| Jersey Number | No. 6 |
| Height | 6 feet 2¼ inches |
| Weight | 223 pounds |
| Hometown | Kaysville, Utah |
| High School | Corner Canyon |
| College | USC, Ole Miss |
| NFL Draft | 2025 |
| Draft Position | No. 25 overall |
| Draft Round | First Round |
| NFL Debut | 2025 |
| College Passing Yards | 11,970 |
| College Passing TDs | 81 |
| 2025 NFL Passing Yards | 2,272 |
| 2025 NFL Passing TDs | 15 |
The New York Giants list Dart as a first-round selection from the 2025 NFL Draft and identify Kaysville, Utah, and Corner Canyon as his hometown and high school.
Jaxson Dart's Early Life and High School Career
Jaxson Dart grew up in Utah and developed into a highly regarded football prospect during his high school years.
He attended Roy High School during his freshman, sophomore and junior years before transferring to Corner Canyon for his senior season.
At Corner Canyon, Dart helped lead the team to an undefeated season and a 6A state championship. His performances earned him one of the biggest honors available to a high school football player when he was named the 2020 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year.
Football wasn't Dart's only sport growing up. He also played baseball throughout high school and was named all-state twice.
His athletic background would later become an important part of his identity as a quarterback capable of making plays outside the pocket.
Jaxson Dart's College Football Career
Dart began his college career at the University of Southern California (USC).
During the 2021 season, he appeared in six games and completed 117 of 189 passes for 1,353 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
After his freshman season, Dart transferred to Ole Miss, where his career took another major step forward.
Jaxson Dart at Ole Miss
Dart played three seasons at Ole Miss and steadily improved his production every year.
2022 Season
In his first season with Ole Miss, Dart:
- Played 13 games
- Started 12
- Completed 226 of 362 passes
- Threw for 2,974 yards
- Recorded 20 touchdowns
- Threw 11 interceptions
He also contributed as a runner, adding significant rushing production.
2023 Season
Dart took another step forward in 2023.
He completed 233 of 358 passes for 3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
He also rushed for 389 yards and eight touchdowns.
That season helped establish Dart as one of the SEC's notable quarterbacks.
Jaxson Dart's Breakout 2024 Season
The 2024 season became the defining year of Dart's college career.
He completed 276 of 398 passes, good for a 69.3% completion rate, while throwing for:
- 4,279 passing yards
- 29 touchdowns
- 6 interceptions
- 180.7 passer efficiency rating
He also rushed for 495 yards and three touchdowns.
His 4,279 passing yards and 4,774 total offensive yards helped him set multiple Ole Miss single-season records.
According to Ole Miss, Dart's 2024 season established school records for total offense, passing yards, passing efficiency, yards per attempt, yards per completion and total offense per play.
He also led the FBS in several major statistical categories, including total offense, passing efficiency and yards per attempt.
His performance earned him several honors, including:
- 2024 Conerly Trophy
- First-team All-SEC recognition
- All-America honorable mention
- Manning Award finalist
- Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award finalist
- CFN SEC Quarterback of the Year
- Maxwell Award semifinalist
- Walter Camp Award semifinalist
Jaxson Dart College Stats
Dart's complete college passing career was particularly impressive.
| Season | Team | Games | Passing Yards | TD | INT | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | USC | 6 | 1,353 | 9 | 5 | 61.9% |
| 2022 | Ole Miss | 13 | 2,974 | 20 | 11 | 62.4% |
| 2023 | Ole Miss | 13 | 3,364 | 23 | 5 | 65.1% |
| 2024 | Ole Miss | 13 | 4,279 | 29 | 6 | 69.3% |
| Career | USC/Ole Miss | 45 | 11,970 | 81 | 27 | 65.2% |
At Ole Miss alone, Dart finished with 10,617 passing yards and 72 touchdowns, breaking the school's career passing-yardage record previously held by Eli Manning.
He also established Ole Miss records for quarterback wins, winning percentage, total offense, passing efficiency and several other categories.
Why Was Jaxson Dart Highly Rated by NFL Scouts?
Dart entered the 2025 NFL Draft with several traits that made him attractive to NFL teams.
1. Deep-Passing Ability
One of Dart's biggest strengths was his ability to attack defenses downfield.
The Giants noted that Dart led the FBS in 2024 with 1,517 passing yards and 17 touchdowns on deep passes of 20 or more air yards.
That ability gives an offense the potential to create explosive plays.
2. Mobility
Dart isn't a traditional stationary quarterback.
His college rushing statistics demonstrated his ability to escape pressure, extend plays and gain yards with his legs.
NFL.com scouting information highlighted his ability to gain tough yards on the ground and recognized his athleticism as an important part of his game.
3. Progression Reading
NFL scouting reports also highlighted Dart's ability to work through progressions when necessary.
That matters because NFL defenses are generally faster and more complex than the defenses quarterbacks regularly face in college.
4. Competitive Style
Dart's playing style is built around aggression and confidence.
New York Giants coaches highlighted his competitive fire, accuracy, ability to push the football downfield and athletic ability.
Jaxson Dart and the 2025 NFL Draft
The Giants originally held the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and selected edge rusher Abdul Carter.
But New York wasn't finished.
The Giants later traded with the Houston Texans to acquire the No. 25 overall pick.
New York sent Houston:
- No. 34 overall pick
- No. 99 overall pick
- A 2026 third-round pick
The Giants then used the No. 25 selection to draft Jaxson Dart.
Dart became the second quarterback selected in the 2025 draft, following Cam Ward, who was selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans.
Jaxson Dart's Connection to the Manning Legacy
There is an interesting historical connection between Dart and the Manning family.
Dart became the third first-round quarterback from Ole Miss, following Archie Manning and Eli Manning.
During his time at Ole Miss, Dart broke Eli Manning's school career passing-yardage record.
Dart also served as a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy, adding another connection to the Manning family's football legacy.
That history made Dart's arrival in the NFL particularly interesting because he joined a Giants franchise historically associated with Eli Manning.
Jaxson Dart's Rookie NFL Season
Dart began his NFL career behind veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.
The Giants initially gave Wilson the starting role, while Dart learned the offense and adjusted to the professional game.
That changed during the 2025 season.
The Giants announced that Dart would make his first NFL start in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Dart responded by leading New York to a 21–18 victory over the Chargers, earning his first NFL win as a starter.
He ultimately played 14 games in his rookie season, starting 12.
His 2025 regular-season numbers included:
- 2,272 passing yards
- 15 passing touchdowns
- 5 interceptions
- 63.7% completion rate
- 487 rushing yards
- 9 rushing touchdowns
- 91.7 passer rating
That rushing production was particularly notable for a quarterback.
Jaxson Dart's 2026 NFL Season
Entering the 2026 season, expectations surrounding Dart increased as he moved into his second NFL season.
According to the Giants' official statistics, Dart opened the 2026 campaign against the Dallas Cowboys with one of the strongest games of his young NFL career.
He completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing 11 times for 54 yards.
The Giants defeated Dallas 28–20.
That performance produced a 134.2 passer rating.
Through the Giants' first game of the 2026 regular season, Dart's NFL career totals stood at:
- 239 completions
- 368 attempts
- 2,502 passing yards
- 18 passing touchdowns
- 5 interceptions
- 541 rushing yards
- 9 rushing touchdowns
Latest Jaxson Dart Injury Update
As of September 22, 2026, Dart's 2026 season has encountered an important setback.
During the Giants' Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Dart suffered a left knee injury in the first quarter.
Reuters reported that Dart was hit high by Byron Young and low by Josaiah Stewart on a third-down play. Dart grabbed his knee immediately afterward and was evaluated in the medical tent before leaving for the locker room under his own power.
Before leaving the game, Dart had completed 3 of 5 passes for 20 yards. Jameis Winston replaced him.
At the time of reporting, Dart was listed as questionable to return, meaning the precise severity and subsequent availability required further medical evaluation.
For readers following the latest Jaxson Dart injury update, this is therefore a developing situation rather than a confirmed season-long absence.
Jaxson Dart's Playing Style
Jaxson Dart brings a modern quarterback skill set to the NFL.
His game combines several characteristics:
Arm Talent
Dart is comfortable throwing vertically and attacking deeper areas of the field.
Mobility
He can escape pressure and turn broken plays into rushing opportunities.
Aggressiveness
Dart isn't afraid to attempt difficult throws, which can create explosive plays but can also expose a quarterback to greater risk.
Pocket Movement
His athletic ability allows him to move around the pocket and create additional throwing opportunities.
Decision-Making
One of the key parts of his NFL development will be continuing to improve his decisions against sophisticated NFL defenses.
NFL scouting information specifically cited his ability to work through progressions, make situational decisions and recognize potential trouble.
Jaxson Dart's Strengths and Areas of Development
| Strengths | Areas to Develop |
|---|---|
| Deep-ball ability | Consistency |
| Mobility | NFL defensive recognition |
| Arm strength | Decision-making under pressure |
| Athleticism | Pocket discipline |
| Competitive mentality | Protecting the football |
| Experience in SEC football | Continued adaptation to NFL speed |
These are best understood as areas of football development rather than fixed limitations. Dart has already shown significant statistical improvement throughout his college career and his early NFL experience.
What Makes Jaxson Dart Interesting to NFL Fans?
The appeal of Dart goes beyond statistics.
His career has followed an unusual path.
He began at USC, transferred to Ole Miss, developed into a major SEC quarterback, broke school records associated with one of college football's most famous quarterback families, entered the NFL as a first-round pick and then became an NFL starter during his rookie season.
His second NFL season has added another chapter.
The 2026 opener against Dallas demonstrated his ability to produce through both passing and rushing. His subsequent knee injury against the Rams, however, has made his immediate availability a developing storyline.
Jaxson Dart Career Statistics
College Career
Passing
- 11,970 yards
- 81 touchdowns
- 27 interceptions
- 65.2% completion rate
Rushing
- 1,541 yards
- 14 touchdowns
NFL Career Through Week 2 of 2026
Passing
- 2,502 yards
- 18 touchdowns
- 5 interceptions
- 64.9% completion rate
Rushing
- 541 yards
- 9 touchdowns
Jaxson Dart's Future With the New York Giants
The Giants' investment in Dart suggests that the organization sees him as an important part of its quarterback plans.
He was not simply selected late in the draft as a developmental experiment. New York traded up into the first round to acquire him.
His early NFL development has already included starting experience, a significant amount of rushing production and several impressive passing performances.
The next phase of Dart's career will be about consistency.
Can he maintain his accuracy while facing increasingly sophisticated NFL defenses? Can he continue producing explosive plays without taking unnecessary risks? And can he remain effective as a runner while managing the physical demands placed on a mobile quarterback?
Those questions will shape the next stage of his NFL story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaxson Dart
Who is Jaxson Dart?
Jaxson Dart is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants. He played college football at USC and Ole Miss before being selected 25th overall by the Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft.
What NFL team does Jaxson Dart play for?
Jaxson Dart plays quarterback for the New York Giants.
When was Jaxson Dart drafted?
The Giants selected Dart with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Where did Jaxson Dart play college football?
Dart played at USC in 2021 before transferring to Ole Miss, where he played from 2022 through 2024.
How many passing yards did Jaxson Dart have at Ole Miss?
Dart recorded 10,617 passing yards during his three seasons at Ole Miss.
How many touchdowns did Jaxson Dart throw in college?
Across USC and Ole Miss, Dart threw 81 touchdown passes during his college career.
How many touchdowns did Jaxson Dart have in his rookie NFL season?
In 2025, Dart threw 15 touchdown passes and added nine rushing touchdowns.
Is Jaxson Dart injured?
As of September 22, 2026, Dart was reported as having suffered a left knee injury during the Giants' game against the Los Angeles Rams and was listed as questionable to return at that point. His final diagnosis and availability can change as medical evaluations continue.
Jaxson Dart's story is still being written.
From a highly rated Utah high school quarterback to USC, from USC to Ole Miss, and from an SEC record-setting season to a first-round NFL selection, Dart has already experienced a remarkable rise.
His college numbers established his credentials. His rookie season demonstrated that he could translate elements of his game to the NFL. His opening performance of the 2026 season provided another glimpse of his potential, while his Week 2 knee injury has introduced an important new uncertainty.
For football fans searching for Jaxson Dart, the most important part of his story may ultimately be what happens next: how he develops as an NFL passer, how he manages the physical demands of his playing style and how he grows into his role with the New York Giants.
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