Jaxson Dart, Quinshon Judkins Focused On Peach Bowl Before Deciding Futures

Both Jaxson Dart and Quinshon Judkins have big decisions to make regarding their futures as Ole Miss Rebels, but they are focused on finishing the 2023 season the right way.

The Ole Miss Rebels have already heard from multiple seniors declaring their intentions to return for the 2024 college football season, but the program is still awaiting decisions from its two biggest stars on offense, quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Quinshon Judkins.

Their silence is warranted, however, as Ole Miss' 2023-24 season is not yet finished. The Rebels are busy preparing for their matchup versus the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl on Saturday. A win for Ole Miss would earn the Rebels their first 11-win season in school history and their first NY6 victory under coach Lane Kiffin.

With the team on the precipice of history, both players expressed interest in finishing the year on a high note before making decisions regarding their futures at Ole Miss during their Thursday press conference. 

Carleigh Harbin-The Grove Report

"Honestly not too worried about it right now," Dart told reporters. "Just focused on the bowl game, my preparation and doing my job to help put my team in the best situation to win and help make history here."

"I think just for me right now I'm at the point where I'm just focused on this bowl game, just going out with my guys," Judkins said. "That's my main focus is just to win this game."

The Rebels are focused on the task at hand, but it is easy to get caught up in thinking about the 2024 season, as Lane Kiffin has been loading up his roster via the NCAA Transfer Portal since it opened for business earlier this month. According to On3, Ole Miss currently holds the No. 3 portal class in the nation, which is loaded with some of the best defensive talent available. 

Dart and Judkins mentioned whether or not Kiffin's recent portal success would influence their decisions when the time comes to make them.

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"I think that's definitely a factor that you look into," Dart said. "Obviously you want to play with really great players. But, like I said earlier, I think for both of us we're just focused on this bowl game. We have a great relationship with the guys in the locker room and the coaching staff, and we love it here."

"Our job is to go out there and focus on this last game," Judkins said.

If Dart and Judkins return, the Rebels will certainly be in the running for a spot in the 12-team playoff expansion starting in 2024. For now, however, the Rebels have their sights set on Penn State and program history.

Kickoff between Ole Miss and Penn State is set for 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, and the game will be televised on ESPN.