Ole Miss Football: A Strong Return with Jaxson Dart at the Helm for One Last Dance
As the 2024 college football season begins to take shape, Ole Miss football fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Rebels are returning a large core of starters from their 2023 campaign, including a crucial leader at quarterback: Jaxson Dart. His decision to return for one final season in Oxford has breathed new life into the program, giving them the perfect blend of experience and talent for a strong push toward the postseason. This year is shaping up to be a crucial one for head coach Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels, and with Dart pulling the strings, they have a legitimate chance to achieve great things.
Jaxson Dart, who first arrived at Ole Miss in 2022 after transferring from USC, has become the backbone of the Rebels’ offense. Last season, Dart had a solid campaign, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. He proved himself to be a capable leader on the field, especially in high-pressure situations. However, his decision to return for the 2024 season has elevated expectations for both him and the program. Dart’s experience, leadership, and dual-threat ability—combining his arm strength with impressive mobility—make him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the SEC heading into the season.
Dart’s return means that the Rebels will have a seasoned playmaker running the offense, which provides continuity and stability. His familiarity with the system, particularly under offensive mastermind Lane Kiffin, allows the team to focus on building on last year’s momentum rather than scrambling to develop a new quarterback. It’s rare to have a starting quarterback with Dart’s level of experience, and that bodes well for Ole Miss as they aim to contend in a competitive SEC.
Dart isn’t the only key player returning for Ole Miss. Several key starters from the 2023 season will also be back, ensuring that the Rebels have a strong foundation across both sides of the ball. The Rebels’ offense, which was one of the most potent in the SEC last season, returns several key pieces. The running back room, headed by Quinshon Judkins, remains one of the most dangerous in the conference. Judkins, who rushed for over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, is a dynamic playmaker capable of taking over a game. His combination of power and speed gives the Rebels a balanced attack, allowing Dart to flourish both in the air and on the ground.
The wide receiving corps is also primed for success. Tre Harris, a talented transfer from Louisiana Tech, and returning wideouts like Dayton Wade and Jordan Watkins give Dart plenty of weapons to work with. With the ability to stretch the field and create mismatches, the passing game has the potential to be even more explosive in 2024.
In addition to the offensive firepower, the Rebels return several key players on defense. While Ole Miss’ defense has sometimes been a weak point in recent years, there is optimism surrounding the unit heading into 2024. With multiple returning starters in the secondary and linebacker positions, there is a good deal of experience to complement the younger, emerging talent. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who joined Ole Miss from Alabama, is expected to implement a more aggressive, disruptive scheme that could elevate the defense to new heights. With strong leadership in place, the defense has the potential to make strides and support an offense that can put up points in bunches
Lane Kiffin, who has been the architect of Ole Miss’ offensive resurgence since taking over in 2020, knows that 2024 could be a defining year for the program. With a veteran quarterback like Dart at the helm, Kiffin has the luxury of focusing on fine-tuning the offensive scheme while also ensuring that the defense plays at a higher level. Kiffin’s up-tempo, pass-heavy system has worked wonders for the Rebels in recent seasons, and with a proven quarterback, it should continue to flourish.
But Kiffin is also aware that the SEC is a tough and unforgiving conference. Ole Miss will face tough tests against rivals like Alabama, Mississippi State, and LSU, as well as up-and-coming programs like Texas A&M. To succeed, the Rebels will need to put together a complete effort—one that blends explosive offense with a much-improved defense. However, Kiffin’s success in building an elite offensive juggernaut around Dart, coupled with the team’s returning experience, puts Ole Miss in a strong position to challenge for a high bowl game and even make a run at a conference title.
For Jaxson Dart, the 2024 season represents a final opportunity to prove that he is one of the best quarterbacks in college football. After two seasons of development, he’s poised to lead the Rebels to new heights. With several key pieces returning, including Dart’s ability to lead and a potent offense, Ole Miss has the chance to make significant noise in the SEC this year. The experience of having a quarterback like Dart, paired with a talented supporting cast, could be exactly what the program needs to take the next step.
As the Rebels set their sights on the 2024 season, there is excitement in Oxford. With Jaxson Dart steering the ship for one last ride, Ole Miss fans are hoping that this year will be a storybook finish—a “last dance” that culminates in success on the field, both for Dart and for the Rebels as a whole.