Ole Miss Rebels QB Jaxson Dart Named to Multiple Watch Lists For Postseason Awards

Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart was added to watch lists for two national awards on Thursday.

OXFORD, Miss. -- Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart landed on the midseason watch lists for the Maxwell and Manning Awards on Thursday after leading his team to a 5-1 record (2-1 in SEC), which is good enough for No. 3 in the competitive SEC West.

The junior is among 11 new players (one of five quarterbacks) who have been added to the Maxwell watch list, which is awarded annually to the Most Outstanding Player in college football. Dart joins his teammate Quinshon Judkins on the Maxwell watch list, who was named during the preseason.

Dart is also one of 15 signal callers joining the Manning Award watch list, which is bestowed annually to the No. 1 quarterback in college football, and was made to honor the achievements of the Manning family.

Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart in the backfield with running back Quinshon Judkins vs. the Arkansas Razorbacks (2023).  / Carleigh Harbin-The Grove Report

Dart has taken a massive step forward this season, and it has put the Rebels in a position to possibly take the SEC West if things fall for Ole Miss the rest of the way. Through six games, Dart has thrown for 1,638 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and just two interceptions with a QBR of 81.2. Midway through the 2022 season, Dart had thrown five interceptions and finished the year with 11. 

Additionally, the Kaysville, Utah, native has been a force on the ground contributing 302 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 63 carries. Dart was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Trophy watch list in August, and so far he has lived up to the preseason hype.

The Rebels are currently ranked No. 3 in the West and are in a tight battle with the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers for No. 1 in the division. 

Ole Miss' next challenge is Saturday versus the Auburn Tigers in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn is weaker this year, but this will still be a test for the Rebels, as they have not claimed victory on The Plains since 2015. 

Kickoff between Ole Miss and Auburn is set for 6 p.m. CT, and the game will be televised on ESPN.