If you’ve been following the NFL this season, you’ve almost certainly heard the name Jaxson Dart. The New York Giants’ rookie quarterback has quickly become one of the most talked-about young players in the league, mixing dual-threat athleticism with a fearless, physical style of play. Whether you’re a Giants fan trying to understand your new QB1 or just a football fan curious about the NFL’s next big thing, here’s a complete look at who Jaxson Dart is, where he came from, and why people can’t stop talking about him.
Early Life and High School Career
Jaxson Chase Dart was born on May 13, 2003, in Kaysville, Utah. Football clearly runs deep in his story — he attended Roy High School for his first three years before transferring to Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah. That move paid off in a big way. As a senior, Dart was named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year after throwing for 4,691 yards with a state-record 67 touchdowns against just four interceptions, while also rushing for 1,195 yards and 12 more scores. He capped things off by also earning MaxPreps National Player of the Year honors, finishing his high school career with 10,688 passing yards and 117 touchdowns. Interestingly, football wasn’t his only sport — Dart was also a two-time all-state third baseman on his high school baseball team.
The College Journey: From USC to Ole Miss
Dart’s path to the NFL wasn’t a straight line, and that’s part of what makes his story interesting. He originally committed to USC despite an offer from Arizona State, competing there as a true freshman behind starter Kedon Slovis. He got real game action when he entered a 2021 game against Washington State after Slovis was injured, finishing 30-for-46 for 391 yards and four touchdowns — a USC debut record at the time.
But when Lincoln Riley took over as USC’s head coach, the quarterback room got crowded fast. With rumors swirling that Oklahoma star Caleb Williams would follow Riley to USC, Dart entered the transfer portal and landed at Ole Miss under head coach Lane Kiffin.
That decision turned out to be the making of his college career. Dart started 38 games for Ole Miss, leading the Rebels to back-to-back 10-win seasons and finishing as the program’s all-time leader in passing yards — surpassing NFL legend Eli Manning in the process. His best season came in 2024, when he led the NCAA in passer rating (180.7) and picked up the Conerly Trophy along with First-team All-SEC honors. A signature moment came in the 2023 Peach Bowl, where Dart and Ole Miss beat Penn State’s top-ranked defense, a game in which he faced future Giants teammate Abdul Carter.
Draft Night and Landing with the Giants
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, scouts saw a lot to like — and a few things to watch. Dart was viewed as a mobile quarterback with strong arm talent and accuracy, though evaluators flagged his tendency to lock onto his first read as an area needing improvement. Even so, he was projected as an early-round pick, and that’s exactly how it played out.
The New York Giants selected Dart in the first round with the 25th overall pick, trading back up from the early second round to grab him. It was a bold move by Giants brass, and given how the rookie season has unfolded, it’s looking like a smart one.
Rookie Season: A Breakout Debut
Dart didn’t start Week 1. He began his rookie year as Russell Wilson’s backup, but after the Giants opened 0–3, he was named the starter for a Week 4 matchup against the then-undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. Talk about a baptism by fire — and he passed the test. In his first career start, Dart led New York to a win over the Chargers, completing 13 of 20 passes for 111 yards while adding a rushing touchdown.
The following week was even more impressive. Dart helped the Giants knock off the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, throwing for 195 yards on 17-of-25 passing and rushing 13 times for 58 yards. That performance put him in rare company — he became just the second quarterback since at least 1991, alongside Patrick Mahomes, to lead his team to an opening-drive touchdown in each of his first three career starts.
By the numbers, Dart’s rookie campaign has been genuinely strong: 216 completions on 339 attempts for a 63.7% completion rate, 2,272 passing yards, 15 touchdowns against 5 interceptions, and a 91.7 passer rating, while adding 487 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns.
A Physical, “Linebacker-Style” Playing Approach
One of the defining traits of Dart’s game is his willingness to take contact. The Guardian described his high-contact style as playing like a “linebacker at quarterback,” and the numbers back that reputation up — his nine rushing touchdowns as a rookie ranked second among all quarterbacks in 2025. The flip side of that toughness is risk. He often chooses to absorb hits rather than slide or step out of bounds, which has made him more vulnerable to injuries, including concussions. In fact, Dart underwent five concussion evaluations as a rookie, including one that led to fines after his head coach and a teammate entered the medical tent during a live game, and he was checked again for a concussion during a 2026 preseason game.
Despite the concerns from the coaching staff, Dart has stood firmly behind his approach, saying bluntly that big hits are simply part of playing football and not something he plans to shy away from.
Life Off the Field
Away from football, Dart has a few things that make him stand out. He’s a lifelong fishing enthusiast who credits the hobby with teaching him patience, and a longtime Star Wars fan — his signature eye black is styled after Anakin Skywalker’s scar, a detail friends noticed resembled the character during his younger years. He comes from a family with a brother and two sisters.
The Bottom Line
Jaxson Dart’s rise from a three-star-turned-transfer quarterback to an NFL first-round pick and now a genuine breakout rookie is one of the more compelling stories in football right now. His blend of arm talent, mobility, and sheer physical toughness has already made him a fan favorite in New York — even if it means the Giants’ coaching staff would love to see him slide a little more often. One thing’s for sure: with performances like his early-season upsets over the Chargers and Eagles, Jaxson Dart is a name that’s going to stick around the NFL conversation for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaxson Dart
1. Who is Jaxson Dart?
Jaxson Dart is an American professional football quarterback who currently plays for the New York Giants. Born on May 13, 2003, in Kaysville, Utah, he was selected by the Giants in the first round (25th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout college career at USC and Ole Miss.
2. Which college did Jaxson Dart play for?
Dart played college football at two schools. He began his career at USC in 2021 before entering the transfer portal and moving to Ole Miss, where he played from 2022 to 2024. At Ole Miss, he became the program’s all-time leading passer, surpassing Eli Manning’s record.
3. How did Jaxson Dart perform in his rookie NFL season?
Dart had a strong rookie campaign in 2025. After starting as Russell Wilson’s backup, he took over as starter in Week 4 and led the Giants to upset wins over the Chargers and the defending champion Eagles. On the season, he threw for 2,272 yards with 15 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, added 487 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns, and posted a 91.7 passer rating.
4. Why is Jaxson Dart known for a physical playing style?
Dart is known for his willingness to take on contact rather than slide or run out of bounds, a style The Guardian compared to “a linebacker at quarterback.” This approach has contributed to his rushing production but has also led to injury concerns, including multiple concussion evaluations during his rookie season and the 2026 preseason.
5. What are some interesting facts about Jaxson Dart off the field?
Off the field, Dart is a lifelong fishing enthusiast who says the hobby taught him patience. He’s also a longtime Star Wars fan, and his distinctive eye black is styled after Anakin Skywalker’s scar. He has a brother and two sisters.