Jaxson Dart
In the high-stakes world of professional football, a new star is rapidly rising through the ranks—Jaxson Dart, the dynamic quarterback for the New York Giants. From shattering high school records to leading a storied college program, Dart's journey to the NFL has been nothing short of spectacular. Join us as we explore the remarkable story of a player whose electrifying style and undeniable talent have already captivated fans and set the stage for a compelling career. Jaxson Dart made an extraordinary leap from backup to starting NFL quarterback in his rookie season, showcasing immense talent and resilience. His 'linebacker at quarterback' playing style, characterized by aggressive running, allows him to gain crucial yards but also makes him uniquely susceptible to injuries. Before the NFL, Dart broke state high school records and became Ole Miss's all-time passing leader, foreshadowing his professional success.
AI Summary
In the high-stakes world of professional football, a new star is rapidly rising through the ranks—Jaxson Dart, the dynamic quarterback for the New York Giants. From shattering high school records to leading a storied college program, Dart's journey to the NFL has been nothing short of spectacular. Join us as we explore the remarkable story of a player whose electrifying style and undeniable talent have already captivated fans and set the stage for a compelling career.
- Jaxson Dart made an extraordinary leap from backup to starting NFL quarterback in his rookie season, showcasing immense talent and resilience.
- His 'linebacker at quarterback' playing style, characterized by aggressive running, allows him to gain crucial yards but also makes him uniquely susceptible to injuries.
- Before the NFL, Dart broke state high school records and became Ole Miss's all-time passing leader, foreshadowing his professional success.
The Rise of Jaxson Dart
Born on May 13, 2003, in Kaysville, Utah, Jaxson Chase Dart quickly established himself as a force on the football field. Even in his early days, it was clear he possessed a special blend of athleticism and competitive drive that would propel him to the highest levels of the sport.
A High School Phenom
Dart's senior year at Corner Canyon High School was truly legendary. He earned the prestigious Gatorade Football Player of the Year and MaxPreps National Player of the Year awards after an astonishing season. He threw for 4,691 yards and a state-record 67 touchdowns, with only four interceptions, while also rushing for nearly 1,200 yards and 12 scores.
Beyond the gridiron, Dart was also a talented two-time all-state third baseman in baseball. This multi-sport background speaks volumes about his athletic prowess and competitive spirit across different arenas.
His family roots are also quite notable; his maternal grandmother was the daughter of David M. Kennedy, who served as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dart's upbringing provided a foundation for his character and work ethic.
Choosing a College Path
Despite receiving offers from various universities and even training with former ASU quarterback Taylor Kelly, Dart ultimately chose to commit to the University of Southern California (USC). It was a pivotal decision that would launch the next chapter of his football journey.
College Stardom
USC: A Record-Breaking Debut
Dart's freshman year at USC in 2021 began with a competition for the backup quarterback role. He immediately impressed coaches with his potent arm strength and elusive mobility during the spring game. His big moment arrived unexpectedly when he was thrust into action against Washington State after the starting quarterback, Kedon Slovis, was injured.
In a truly memorable debut, Dart shook off an early interception to throw for 391 yards and four touchdowns. This performance set a new USC record for most passing yards by a quarterback in their first collegiate game, signaling the arrival of a special talent.
Ole Miss: A Program Transformed
Following the 2021 season, a coaching change at USC prompted Dart to enter the NCAA transfer portal. He soon found a new home at Ole Miss, alongside teammate Michael Trigg, where he quickly became the starting quarterback under coach Lane Kiffin. This move proved to be a defining moment for his college career.
At Ole Miss, Dart led the team to consecutive 10-win seasons, culminating in a Peach Bowl victory against a formidable Penn State defense in 2023. He finished his career as the program's all-time leader in passing yards, surpassing a legendary name: Eli Manning. His collegiate passer rating of 180.7 in 2024 was an NCAA leader.
From College to the NFL
Scouting Report
Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, scouts praised Dart for his mobile playmaking ability, capable arm strength, and overall accuracy. However, some evaluators noted a tendency to focus on his initial target, suggesting an area for mental processing development once the play unfolds. He was widely projected as a first or second-round pick.
Draft Day Thrills
The New York Giants saw enough potential to make a bold move on draft night. They traded up from the early second round to secure Dart with the 25th overall pick in the first round. It was a clear statement of their belief in his future as a franchise quarterback.
At the NFL Combine, Dart measured in with impressive physical stats, demonstrating the build and athleticism needed for the professional game.
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 6 ft 2.25 in (1.89 m) 223 lb (101 kg) 30 in (0.76 m) 9.5 in (0.24 m)
Professional Journey Begins
Rookie Season: 2025
Dart began his rookie season in 2025 as the backup to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. However, after the Giants started the season 0-3, the coaching staff made a significant decision: Dart was named the new starting quarterback for Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
His first NFL start was nothing short of spectacular. Dart led the Giants to an upset victory over the then-undefeated Chargers, completing 13-of-20 passes for 111 yards and adding a crucial rushing touchdown. It was an immediate demonstration of his ability to perform under pressure.
Dart continued to impress, even defeating the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. He joined an elite club with Patrick Mahomes as the only quarterbacks since 1991 to lead their teams to an opening-drive touchdown in each of their first three career starts, a testament to his immediate impact.
However, his aggressive playing style also presented challenges. In a Week 10 game against the Chicago Bears, Dart suffered a concussion, forcing him to miss the remainder of the game and two subsequent starts. This incident highlighted a growing concern about his physical approach to the game.
Sophomore Season: 2026
Dart earned his first career opening game start on September 13, 2026, against the Dallas Cowboys. He delivered a composed performance, completing 23-of-29 passes for 230 yards, leading the Giants to a 28-20 victory—their first opening game win since 2022.
The 'Linebacker at Quarterback' Style
Jaxson Dart is renowned for his high-contact playing style, often described by The Guardian as akin to a 'linebacker at quarterback.' As a dual-threat quarterback, he frequently opts to absorb tackles rather than slide or run out of bounds, gaining valuable extra yards with his physicality. He recorded nine rushing touchdowns as a rookie, the second most among quarterbacks, and five games with both a passing and rushing touchdown.
While this aggressive approach yields significant gains, it also carries inherent risks. Dart underwent five concussion tests in his rookie season, one of which resulted in fines for his head coach and a teammate. He was also evaluated for a concussion in the 2026 preseason, prompting the Giants to actively encourage him to reduce contact to prevent future injuries.
Dart, however, defends his approach to the game. When asked about potential recklessness in November 2025, he simply stated, 'This is football. Like, I'm going to get hit if I'm in the pocket or outside the pocket. I feel like I played this way my whole entire life. It shouldn't be any shocker to anybody if you followed along with my career. We're not playing soccer out here. You're going to get hit. Things happen. It's just part of the game.'
Beyond the Field
Personal Life
Outside of football, Dart is a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and cherishes time with his brother and two sisters. These personal connections provide a strong anchor amidst the demands of his professional career.
He finds solace and patience in his lifelong hobby of fishing. A passionate Star Wars fan since childhood, Dart even styles his eye black after Anakin Skywalker's scar, a nod to friends who noticed his resemblance to the character from 'Revenge of the Sith.'
In a unique public appearance, Dart introduced President Donald Trump at a campaign rally for U.S. Representative Mike Lawler on May 22, 2026, showcasing his engagement beyond the world of sports.
Career Statistics
NFL Stats
Here's a snapshot of Jaxson Dart's early NFL career, highlighting his performance in both passing and rushing categories.
Year Team GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A Y/G Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Y/A Lng TD Sck SckY Fum Lost 2025 NYG 14 12 4−8 216 339 63.7 2,272 6.7 162.3 44 15 5 91.7 86 487 5.7 29 9 35 152 5 2 2026 NYG 1 1 1−0 23 29 79.3 230 7.9 230.0 19 3 0 134.2 11 54 4.9 22 0 2 1 1 0 Career 15 13 5−8 239 368 64.9 2,502 6.8 166.8 44 18 5 95.2 97 541 5.6 29 9 37 153 6 2
College Stats
Before his NFL debut, Dart left an indelible mark on college football, particularly during his time at Ole Miss, where he set new program records.
Season Team GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD 2021 USC 6 3 0–3 117 189 61.9 1,353 7.2 9 5 132.5 22 43 2.0 2 2022 Ole Miss 13 12 7–5 226 362 62.4 2,974 8.2 20 11 143.6 128 614 4.8 1 2023 Ole Miss 13 13 11–2 233 358 65.1 3,364 9.4 23 5 162.4 119 391 3.3 8 2024 Ole Miss 13 13 10–3 276 398 69.3 4,279 10.8 29 6 180.7 124 495 4.0 3 Career 45 41 28–13 852 1,307 65.2 11,970 9.2 81 27 158.4 393 1,541 3.9 14
Article
Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Chase Dart (born May 13, 2003) is an American professional football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Dart played college football for the USC Trojans and Ole Miss Rebels and was selected by the Giants in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Early life
Jaxson Dart
Dart was born on May 13, 2003, in Kaysville, Utah, to Kara (née Campbell) and Brandon Dart. His maternal grandmother Patricia Lenore Campbell was the daughter of U.S. Secretary of the Treasury David M. Kennedy. Dart was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He attended Roy High School for his first three years of high school before transferring to Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah. As a senior, Dart was the Gatorade Football Player of the Year after throwing for 4,691 yards with a state record 67 touchdowns and only four interceptions while also rushing for 1,195 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also the MaxPreps National Player of the Year. Overall, Dart finished his high school career with 10,688 passing yards and 117 touchdowns.
In addition to playing football in high school, Dart was also a two-time all-state third baseman for the baseball team.
Despite an offer from Arizona State University and off-season training with former ASU quarterback Taylor Kelly in Tempe, Arizona, Dart committed to the University of Southern California (USC) to play college football.
<table><thead><tr><th>Name</th><th>Hometown</th><th>School</th><th>Height</th><th>Weight</th><th>Commit date</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td rowspan="2">Jaxson Dart QB</td><td>Draper, Utah</td><td>Corner Canyon</td><td>6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)</td><td>210 lb (95 kg)</td><td>Dec 16, 2020 </td></tr><tr><td colspan="7">Recruit ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: (89)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="7">Overall recruit ranking:</td></tr><tr><td colspan="7">Sources:</td></tr></tbody></table>
College career
USC (2021)
Dart competed to be Kedon Slovis's backup quarterback his first year at USC in (/wiki/2021USCTrojansfootballteam). During the annual Spring Game, Dart impressed coaches with his arm strength and mobility. On the final play of the game, Dart threw a touchdown pass to fellow freshman Michael Jackson III, who made an impressive one-handed diving catch.
On September 18, Dart entered the game against Washington State in the second drive of the game, replacing injured quarterback Kedon Slovis. USC was playing their first game after the firing of coach Clay Helton. Dart entered the game and threw an interception to end his first drive, but responded by throwing a 38-yard touchdown pass late in the first half. Dart finished the game completing 30-for-46 passes for 391 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Trojans defeated the Cougars 42–14, in a blowout win. Dart's 391 yards set the record for most passing yards ever by a USC QB in a debut, breaking JT Daniels’ record of 282 in 2018.
On November 20, Dart made his first career start against UCLA.
Ole Miss (2022–2024)
Dart in 2024
Following the 2021 season, Lincoln Riley was hired as the head coach of USC. Amidst the rumors that Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams would follow Riley to USC, Dart entered the NCAA transfer portal. Dart and USC teammate Michael Trigg then officially enrolled at Ole Miss, where Dart was the starting quarterback for all but one game for head coach Lane Kiffin.
Dart and Ole Miss won the Peach Bowl in 2023 against Penn State and the nation's top defense, where he faced eventual third overall pick and Giants teammate Abdul Carter. He ended the season with an NCAA-leading 180.7 passer rating. Overall, Dart started 38 games at Ole Miss, leading the team to back-to-back 10-win seasons and finished as the program's all-time leader in passing yards, surpassing Eli Manning.
Professional career
Jaxson Dart
<table><thead><tr><th>Height</th><th>Weight</th><th>Arm length</th><th>Hand span</th><th>Wingspan</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>6 ft 2+1⁄4 in (1.89 m)</td><td>223 lb (101 kg)</td><td>30 in (0.76 m)</td><td>9+1⁄2 in (0.24 m)</td><td>6 ft 0+7⁄8 in (1.85 m)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="13">All values from NFL Combine</td></tr></tbody></table>
Entering the 2025 NFL draft, Dart was considered a mobile quarterback with capable arm strength and accuracy. However, his mental processing once the play begins was touted as a concern since he had a tendency to focus solely on his first target. He was projected to be picked in the first two rounds.
Dart was selected by the New York Giants in the first round with the 25th overall pick. The team had traded up from the early second round back into the first round.
2025 season
Dart began his rookie season as the backup to Russell Wilson. On September 23, 2025, after a 0–3 start to the season for the Giants, Dart was announced as the new starting quarterback in the Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. In his first start, the Giants beat the then-undefeated Chargers on September 28 and Dart completed 13-of-20 passes for 111 yards and adding a rushing touchdown.
On October 9, Dart defeated the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, completing 17-of-25 passes for 195 yards and rushing 13 times for 58 yards. He joined Patrick Mahomes as the only quarterbacks since at least 1991 to lead their teams to an opening-drive touchdown in each of their first three career starts.
In the Week 10 game against the Chicago Bears, Dart suffered a concussion in the third quarter and missed the rest of the game as the Giants lost 24–20. Third-string quarterback Jameis Winston took over as the starter for the next two games.
2026 season
Dart made his first career opening game start on September 13, 2026, against the Dallas Cowboys. He completed 23-of-29 passes for 230 yards in a 28–20 win to give the Giants their first opening game win since 2022.
Player profile
Jaxson Dart
Dart is characterized as having a high-contact playing style, one that The Guardian described as being like a "linebacker at quarterback". Lauded as a dual-threat quarterback, he had nine rushing touchdowns as a rookie in 2025 (the second most among quarterbacks) and recorded five games wherein he threw and ran for a touchdown apiece. However, he frequently opts to absorb tackles on the run rather than slide or go out of bounds; while this enables him to gain additional yards, it also makes him susceptible to injuries like concussions. As a rookie, Dart underwent five concussion tests, one of which resulted in fines when head coach Brian Daboll and teammate Cam Skattebo entered the medical tent during the game. He was also evaluated for a concussion in the first preseason game of 2026 when he took a hard hit on a blitz. His approach prompted the Giants to urge him to take less contact in order to avoid future injuries.
Dart has defended his style of play. When asked in November 2025 about if he was being reckless, he explained:
"[T]his is football. Like, I'm going to get hit if I'm in the pocket or outside the pocket. I feel like I played this way my whole entire life. It shouldn't be any shocker to anybody if you followed along with my career. We're not playing soccer out here. You're going to get hit. Things happen. It's just part of the game."
Career statistics
Jaxson Dart
<table><thead><tr><th colspan="2">Legend</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bold</td><td>Career high</td></tr></tbody></table>
NFL
<table><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">Year</th><th rowspan="2">Team</th><th colspan="3">Games</th><th colspan="10">Passing</th><th colspan="5">Rushing</th><th colspan="2">Sacks</th><th colspan="2">Fumbles</th></tr><tr><th>GP</th><th>GS</th><th>Record</th><th>Cmp</th><th>Att</th><th>Pct</th><th>Yds</th><th>Y/A</th><th>Y/G</th><th>Lng</th><th>TD</th><th>Int</th><th>Rtg</th><th>Att</th><th>Yds</th><th>Y/A</th><th>Lng</th><th>TD</th><th>Sck</th><th>SckY</th><th>Fum</th><th>Lost</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><th>2025</th><th>NYG</th><td>14</td><td>12</td><td>4−8</td><td>216</td><td>339</td><td>63.7</td><td>2,272</td><td>6.7</td><td>162.3</td><td>44</td><td>15</td><td>5</td><td>91.7</td><td>86</td><td>487</td><td>5.7</td><td>29</td><td>9</td><td>35</td><td>152</td><td>5</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><th>2026</th><th>NYG</th><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>1−0</td><td>23</td><td>29</td><td>79.3</td><td>230</td><td>7.9</td><td>230.0</td><td>19</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>134.2</td><td>11</td><td>54</td><td>4.9</td><td>22</td><td>0</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><th colspan="2">Career</th><th>15</th><th>13</th><th>5−8</th><th>239</th><th>368</th><th>64.9</th><th>2,502</th><th>6.8</th><th>166.8</th><th>44</th><th>18</th><th>5</th><th>95.2</th><th>97</th><th>541</th><th>5.6</th><th>29</th><th>9</th><th>37</th><th>153</th><th>6</th><th>2</th></tr></tbody></table>
College
<table><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">Season</th><th rowspan="2">Team</th><th colspan="3">Games</th><th colspan="8">Passing</th><th colspan="4">Rushing</th></tr><tr><th>GP</th><th>GS</th><th>Record</th><th>Cmp</th><th>Att</th><th>Pct</th><th>Yds</th><th>Avg</th><th>TD</th><th>Int</th><th>Rtg</th><th>Att</th><th>Yds</th><th>Avg</th><th>TD</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><th>2021</th><th>USC</th><td>6</td><td>3</td><td>0–3</td><td>117</td><td>189</td><td>61.9</td><td>1,353</td><td>7.2</td><td>9</td><td>5</td><td>132.5</td><td>22</td><td>43</td><td>2.0</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><th>2022</th><th>Ole Miss</th><td>13</td><td>12</td><td>7–5</td><td>226</td><td>362</td><td>62.4</td><td>2,974</td><td>8.2</td><td>20</td><td>11</td><td>143.6</td><td>128</td><td>614</td><td>4.8</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><th>2023</th><th>Ole Miss</th><td>13</td><td>13</td><td>11–2</td><td>233</td><td>358</td><td>65.1</td><td>3,364</td><td>9.4</td><td>23</td><td>5</td><td>162.4</td><td>119</td><td>391</td><td>3.3</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><th>2024</th><th>Ole Miss</th><td>13</td><td>13</td><td>10–3</td><td>276</td><td>398</td><td>69.3</td><td>4,279</td><td>10.8</td><td>29</td><td>6</td><td>180.7</td><td>124</td><td>495</td><td>4.0</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><th colspan="2">Career</th><th>45</th><th>41</th><th>28–13</th><th>852</th><th>1,307</th><th>65.2</th><th>11,970</th><th>9.2</th><th>81</th><th>27</th><th>158.4</th><th>393</th><th>1,541</th><th>3.9</th><th>14</th></tr></tbody></table>
Personal life
Jaxson Dart
Dart has a brother and two sisters. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Fishing is a lifelong hobby of Dart, who credits it with teaching him patience. He has also been a fan of Star Wars since childhood; Dart wears eye black styled after Anakin Skywalker's scar since his friends thought the paint and his long hair made him resemble the character in Revenge of the Sith.
On May 22, 2026, Dart appeared at a campaign rally for U.S. Representative Mike Lawler, where he introduced President Donald Trump.