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Jaxson Dart Predicted to Make First NFL Start Against Lane Kiffin's Former Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated May 17, 2025 2:50 PM ET

The Ole Miss football team enjoyed a resurgence in recent years with head coach Lane Kiffin on the sidelines and quarterback Jaxson Dart under center. They set a school record with 11 wins in 2023 and had two consecutive seasons with double-digit wins.

Last month, Dart followed in the footsteps of legendary Rebels quarterback Eli Manning by getting selected to play for the New York Giants in the NFL Draft. He'll enter a competitive quarterback room with veterans like Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson.

It may take a while until Dart is established at the NFL level, and he may not start a game in his rookie season.

Dart is one of several rookie quarterbacks who will have an uphill battle to become a starter in Year 1. Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon recently predicted that Dart's first start would come against Lane Kiffin's former team.

"My first start window for him starts Dec. 1 in New England, but I get the feeling the Giants hold out until the holidays," Gagnon wrote. "Predicted first start: Week 17 at Raiders."

Kiffin was the head coach of the Raiders for a year and a half during the 2007 and 2008 NFL seasons. He was famously fired by owner Al Davis in a public dispute, and now Dart will potentially have the chance to avenge his former coach.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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