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Lane Kiffin hilariously jokes that he is pushing for an extra year for Jaxson Dart

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs01/03/25grant_grubbs_
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Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin celebrates with quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) after a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

As the fourth quarter of the Gator Bowl began, ESPN’s Taylor McGregor asked Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin how he felt watching Jaxson Dart play his final minutes as a Rebel. In typical fashion, Kiffin provided a hilarious response.

“It’s awesome. He’s playing great. You never know. Maybe he’ll file a waiver and come back another year,” Kiffin said.

“Are you pushing for that?” McGregor asked.

“Maybe.”

Kiffin couldn’t help but smirk at his comment. With quarterbacks across the country returning for their fifth, sixth or even seventh seasons, it’s not an entirely ridiculous idea from Kiffin. Nonetheless, he and Dart both know that their time together in Oxford is coming to an end.

On Dec. 27, Dart declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. After spending one season at USC, Dart transferred to Ole Miss, where he spent three seasons piecing together a record-breaking career.

Dart has amassed over 11,500 passing yards, 1,500 rushing yards and 90 total touchdowns in his career. He is Ole Miss’ all-time passing leader, surpassing Rebels legend Eli Manning’s longstanding record earlier this year.

Dart is expected to draw interest from several organizations at the next level. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. listed Dart as the No. 7 quarterback in this year’s draft class in his latest NFL Draft Big Board. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, and boasting a powerful arm, Dart will be an enticing professional prospect.

While Dart could’ve opted out of playing in the Gator Bowl to mitigate the risk of injury, he decided to suit up one more time for the Rebels instead. Ahead of the game, Lane Kiffin praised his QB for his leadership.

“Jaxson has been an amazing leader to come in over the three years, set a bunch of school records, I think most wins and most yards and those things,” Kiffin said. “But his impact and his legacy that he leaves in the younger players is amazing, and the younger quarterbacks.

“He’s been great. I think a lot of these games, non-playoff games, we see so many players opt out of playing that are going to be draft picks, and I think for him to come out right away and saying he’s playing impacted a lot of our other players. I think a lot of times nowadays would have opted out to prepare for the draft. He’s amazing.”