Rebels' QB Jaxson Dart Highest Graded QB From Week 1, Per PFF

Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart is among the highest-graded players at his position following his performance versus the Mercer Bears.

OXFORD, Miss. -- After leading the Ole Miss Rebels to a 73-7 victory over the Mercer Bears in Week 1, quarterback Jaxson Dart earned some well-deserved praise by Pro Football Focus on Tuesday.

PFF released grades for the 10 best quarterbacks from Week 1, and Dart was rated No. 1 in the country. Dart received a PFF grade of 93.7 after going 18-of-23 for 334 yards and four touchdowns versus Mercer. 

PFF grades are determined on a play-by-play basis, and posit how much an individual player "contributes to production" on every snap.

Dart is followed by Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen (93.3), Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (93.0), Penn State Nittany Lion Drew Allar (92.9), Alabama's Jalen Milroe (92.3), Texas A&M Aggie Conner Weigman (91.9), Oregon State Beaver DJ Uiagalelei (91.7), Maryland Terrapin Taulia Tagovailoa (90.8), Oklahoma Sooner Dillon Gabriel (87.9), and Colorado Buffalo Shedeur Sanders (86.9).

Curiously, reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams did not even receive a top-10 grade after throwing for 319 yards and five touchdowns in Week 1. Regardless, according to PFF grading, Dart was the best quarterback in college football in the 2023 season opener. 

The junior looks poised for a stellar 2023 campaign after showing improved pocket navigation and a higher comfort level, especially when throwing under pressure.

Dart's performance solidified his role as the starting quarterback, as Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin announced on Monday that the Kaysville, Utah, native will be starting under center in Week 2 when the Rebels hit the road to take on the No. 24 Tulane Greenwave.

Ole Miss is set to take on Tulane at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.