Jaxson Dart wasn’t about to miss the Gator Bowl—no chance, no way. Despite declaring early for the NFL and Ole Miss being out of the playoff race, he was all in for one last ride with his squad. Dart led the 16th-ranked Rebels to a commanding 52-20 win over Duke. Before the game, he made it clear: “There wasn’t any doubt. I’m just excited to compete one more time.”

But postgame, things got a little interesting when Coach Lane Kiffin had some words for his star QB. “I love him, except for on the last play there, when he checks to a pass play he’s not supposed to do… he’s gonna learn a little bit of class there. But other than that, I love this guy, and he’s awesome,” Kiffin said with a mix of humor and admiration. This lighthearted comment from the coach got everyone talking. People started wondering if Dart might stay another year. And then the coach made another cheeky remark, and the debate really heated up.

This was Jaxson’s final game with the Rebels—right? Well, maybe not. Even though Dart is officially out of eligibility, Kiffin threw in a curveball during the press conference. “You never know. Nowadays, people find waivers. Maybe he’ll be back next year,” Kiffin joked, hinting at the wild possibilities in today’s college football landscape, where players like Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia have found ways to secure extra eligibility.

When asked directly, “Are you pushing for that?” Kiffin’s response was coy: “Maybe.” While it seems Dart’s college football career is likely over, the door isn’t fully shut just yet. For now, uncertainty clouds his future, leaving fans wondering what’s next for the quarterback who gave his all for Ole Miss.

Jaxson Dart shines in Ole Miss farewell

Jaxson Dart wasn’t just the Gator Bowl MVP; he shattered records! He broke a 47-year-old mark for total offense, and his 447-yard passing almost matched Graham Harrell’s single-game record. What makes it even more impressive? Dart could’ve easily skipped the bowl game like a lot do these days. But he told Coach Kiffin he was in, no matter where they played. He even convinced some of his teammates to stay and play one last time. And boy, did he deliver.

In front of a cool but undoubtedly impressed crowd of 31,290 at EverBank Stadium, Dart completed 27 of 35 passes for 404 yards and 4 touchdown passes to lead the Rebels over Duke 52-20. As of now, some NFL owners may be persuaded that Dart has a first-round heart despite the fact that he was projected as a second-day draft pick.

However, the standout QB of the Rebels stated after the game, “I told my teammates, I told my coaches, I told my Mom that I was going to leave everything I had on the field. I play the game the way I play and I don’t really look into the future.” However, the future for sure looks bright for Kiffin’s asset, and it seems like the NFL is ready to welcome him with open arms.