Ole Miss Star QB Jaxson Dart Stuns SEC: Record Night, Viral Highlights & Playoff Implications

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will take his first NFL snaps as a starter this Sunday after the New York Giants officially elevated the 25th-overall pick to QB1 ahead of their Week 4 clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Brian Daboll’s decision comes less than 48 hours after veteran Russell Wilson was benched in the wake of a 27-9 loss to Dallas, a move that signals a new era—and potentially a long-term solution—under center in East Rutherford. Why the Giants Handed the Keys to Dart Wilson’s inconsistency and a league-low 5.1 yards per attempt forced Daboll’s hand, but insiders say the staff was already impressed by Dart’s fast learning curve and command of the huddle. During training camp the former Ole Miss star reportedly posted the highest completion percentage in red-zone drills and flashed the down-field aggressiveness that fueled his meteoric rise in college. Draft Pedigree and College Résumé New York traded back into the first round last April to secure Dart at No. 25, praising his arm talent and dual-threat athleticism. A year earlier he vaulted Ole Miss to an 11-2 record while throwing for 3,868 yards, 34 touchdowns and just eight interceptions, earning Gator Bowl MVP honors before turning pro. Off the field, Dart carried a 3.71 GPA as a business major, a detail the Giants publicly lauded when discussing his leadership profile. Locker-Room Reaction Several veterans cited Dart’s energy and film-room diligence as catalysts for the mid-season switch. “He’s been acting like a starter since rookie minicamp,” left tackle Andrew Thomas told reporters. “When a guy lifts the offense with his voice and his play, the transition feels natural.” Game-Plan Adjustments vs. Chargers Expect offensive coordinator Mike Kafka to roll out heavier RPO and boot-action concepts that maximize Dart’s mobility and quick trigger. The Chargers rank 30th against play-action passes, allowing 9.2 yards per attempt, a weakness the Giants intend to exploit with layered crossing routes to tight end Darren Waller and slot weapon Wan’Dale Robinson. Daboll also hinted at designed quarterback runs inside the 10-yard line, an area where New York ranks dead last in touchdown rate. Fantasy and Betting Impact Dart’s arrival boosts the fantasy stock of boundary receivers Jalin Hyatt and Darius Slayton, both of whom struggled to gain targets beyond 15 yards from Wilson. Sportsbooks reacted quickly: New York’s implied team total jumped from 19.5 to 22.0 points, while Dart’s passing-yards prop opened at 232.5—a nod to the down-field aggressiveness scouts loved at Ole Miss. Long-Term Outlook The Giants invested heavily in offensive line upgrades this offseason with future growth in mind; plugging in a cost-controlled rookie quarterback accelerates that timeline. If Dart delivers, New York can allocate cap space to bolster a defense already featuring Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence, positioning the franchise for sustained contention in the NFC East. What’s Next Kickoff against Los Angeles is set for 4:25 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium. A strong debut could cement Dart as the franchise cornerstone the Giants thought they were drafting—and give fans their most exciting signal-caller since Eli Manning. All eyes will be on No. 2 as the rookie tries to turn a page in Big Blue history—and perhaps ignite a surge that reshapes the 2025 playoff race.