Rebels QB Jaxson Dart Showing Improvements Entering 2023 Season

Lane Kiffin and Quinshon Judkins are high on Jaxson Dart's outlook for the 2023 season.

Lane Kiffin isn't concerned about the quarterback battle ensuing for Ole Miss entering the regular season, and for once, maybe that's a positive. 

When two passers still are fighting for starting reps this late in the process, it's usually a sign of worry that neither is the right option. According to Kiffin, Jaxson Dart, Oklahoma State transfer Spencer Sanders or LSU transfer Walker Howard could be better than advertised. 

"It’s a really competitive room," Kiffin told reporters Thursday at SEC Media Days. "It’s in a much better shape, which is our goal for our staff, our roster and each position group, to make it more competitive and more balanced throughout each year. (QB) room is by far the best group since we’ve been here," Kiffin said.

Dart, the lone returning passer from an 8-5 2022 campaign, will draw initial headlines. Results fared between exceptional to mediocre during his 13 starts last season, and plenty of the Ole Miss faithful are on the fence of Dart's status as the remaining QB1. 

It's still Dart's job to lose due to his relationship with Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlies Weis Jr. The fourth-year coach remained quiet for the most part on the quarterback competition but mentioned Dart's progress has blossomed since the end of spring camp. 

“I think Jaxson’s done an amazing job. He had a great spring,” Kiffin said. “From a play standpoint, a leadership standpoint, from improvement. Throwing the ball better than he ever has. I think he’s going to have a great camp.”

Sanders, who spent four seasons as Oklahoma State's starter, dealt with injury during the spring and was limited in practice. Kiffin said he's been cleared and should be "100 percent" for camp while trying to earn the starting nod. 

Dart's biggest knock last season was consistency. He completed over 65 percent of his passes for at least 150 yards four times. He had seven multi-touchdown performances and averaged nearly 9.0 yards per throw. He also would fluctuate from a nearly 500-yard passing performance one week to not even eclipsing 200 the next. 

Experience is a tool Kiffin considers a strength. That's one area of growth for Dart entering the final season of the current version of the SEC. During media rounds, multiple players defended Dart's progression, mentioning his maturation and leadership. 

"He’s older, more mature," said running back Quinshon Judkins. "He knows a lot more about the offense and the defenses that we face. Coming into Year 2 in the SEC, you know, it’s a different conference from where he came from, originally. So in his second year here I think he’s more mature and he’ll be ready to face everybody.”

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