“Still can’t beat me at pickleball,” Giants QB Jaxson Dart smilingly says (on Up & Adams show), as he gives a shoutout to Lane Kiffin. He had a close coach-player relationship with Coach Kiffin, calling the Rebels HC ‘Yoda’. As Dart recalls, they would hang out together at the facilities or play pickleball or just kick it. Under Kiffin’s coaching, Jaxson became one of the rising quarterbacks, going to the NFL, and their friendship has stayed the same.

Lane Kiffin has been a great mentor for Jackson. But the relationship wasn’t an instant click. Coach is known to be a reserved person who takes his time, and you have to earn your spot in his eyes. Testing Jaxson’s ability would make things challenging for the QB. As Jaxson’s dad, Brandon, recalls in a conversation with Brad Logan and David Johnson. It was a mutual learning. “I think Jaxson… had to learn patience, had to learn how to navigate,” says Brandon Dart. “You know, creating trust…that has had a lot of success.”

It took around 18 months for their connection to click. A long time, but it’s been an incredible one. In April, Jaxson had humorously recalled (on Up and Adam’s Show), “He (Kiffin) actually texted me yesterday. He’s like, ‘I miss you.’ I’m like, ‘Alright, bro, chill out.'” Last month, Coach flew down to New Orleans to watch Jaxson Dart facing off against the Saints at the Caesars Superdome. Clad in a luxury suit, he shared a picture from his seat, rooting for his friend, “LFG [Jaxson Dart].”

Brandon continued. “But at the same time, I think Kiffin also learned from Jack…the special relationships that can be built. And I think between the two of them, like, you know, Jaxson’s going to pour his heart and soul into everything that he does.” At Oxford, under Kiffin’s mentorship, he became the program’s all-time leading passer and the winningest QB, earning First-Team All-SEC. Even during setbacks, the coach had his players’ backs.

When the Florida defeat came ringing in, Jaxson felt his lowest. “Man, I just feel like I just let down everybody in Oxford, like every person,” Lane Kiffin quoted Jackson in an interview with USA Sports. After the loss, Kiffin had invited Jaxson over to his house. “It was a really good team,” he had answered.

Brandon added to his point. “And he knew that creating that relationship with Kiffin was going to be essential to that part.” Not only that, but both families also share a close bond. He humourously recalled a funny anecdote.

“We were texting on our Kiffin-Dart family text thread,” he recalls, “Because it said something in the media today that… maybe they should throw a potential…you know, coaching applicant to Kiffin and he kind of just sent it over with a like a smirk and just said it’s too cold in New York for me …it’s just kind of funny.”

Over the years, the Dart family has had a special connection with the Oxford community. “We’re more than grateful and happy to call Oxford our second home.”

The Darts are close to Kiffin and Oxford. However, Jaxson Dart’s younger brother might not be joining Ole Miss football.

Will Diesel Jackson join Ole Miss?

Jackson Dart’s younger brother, Diesel Dart, is a three-star recruit from the Class of 2027. Recently, he grabbed headlines over a viral highlight reel, showing his impressive skills. The 6’2, 175-pound safety made several big catches and tackles, garnering praise from all over social media.

Ranking No. 9 (per On3) in Utah in the Class of 2027, he has received offers from BYU, UNLV, Arizona, and San Diego. Moreover, Jaxson Dart’s alma mater also extended him a scholarship this year.  “Extremely Excited and Grateful to say that I have received an offer from Ole Miss,” Diesel Dart wrote on X.

However, according to On3’s recruiting machine, presently, Ole Miss has just a 13.9% chance to land Diesel. BYU Cougars top the chart right now with 22.2%.

Last season, he recorded 44 total tackles and one interception, leading Corner Canyon High School to the Utah 6A State championship game. His HS defensive coordinator praised him. “I’m biased. But this dude is going to explode this summer. P4 guys, you’d better start building a relationship. No wonder teams are going gaga over him.”

He contributed 23 receptions and a touchdown, helping his team win the championship.