Ole Miss To New York Connection: Eli Manning Congratulates Jaxson Dart
Apr 25, 2025, 4:04 PM
(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – History has a funny way of repeating itself, especially in sports.
After New York drafted Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the No. 25 overall pick in the NFL Draft, another former Rebel and Giant QB reached out to congratulate the first-round pick.
From one Ole Miss QB to another pic.twitter.com/MfU1Aaaakg
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 25, 2025
Eli Manning played at Ole Miss from 2000 to 2003. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 draft and traded to New York on draft night.
Manning went on to play 16 seasons with the Giants, where he won two Super Bowls, two Super Bowl MVPs, and set numerous franchise records.
Following the conclusion of the first round, Manning sent a message to Dart.
“Congratulations on being drafted by the New York Giants,” Manning said. “Obviously, there’s a strong connection between Ole Miss quarterbacks and the Giants, going back to Charlie Conerly. I’m excited that tradition will continue with you. It’s been an honor and a lot of fun rooting for you these past three years at Ole Miss, and I look forward to rooting for you for the next 15 years.”
Welcome home, @JaxsonDart! pic.twitter.com/v8Hj0xENU7
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 25, 2025
About Jaxson Dart
Dart was born in Kaysville, Utah, where he eventually attended Roy High School. Just before his senior year, he transferred to Corner Canyon.
In 2020 with the Chargers, Dart threw for 4,691 yards and a state-record 67 touchdowns. As a four-star prospect, he committed to USC.
He played just six games with the Trojans, where he completed 117 of his 189 pass attempts for 1,353 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions. On the ground, Dart ran the ball 22 times for 43 yards and two touchdowns.
Dart packed up his bags and went from Los Angeles to Oxford for his sophomore season.
The Ultimate Competitor 🎯
Jaxson Dart is heading to the @Giants‼️
Round 01 | Pick 25#HottyToddy x #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/LmjzbgHIxx
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) April 25, 2025
He closed out his collegiate career playing in 39 games for the Rebels with 38 starts. He completed 735 of his 1118 attempts for 10,617 yards and 72 touchdowns.
Ole Miss went 28-10 with Dart at the helm, including a Peach Bowl win in 2024 and a Gator Bowl win in 2025.
Dart’s college accolades include Gator Bowl MVP, 2024 Conerly Trophy Winner, 2024 All-America Honorable Mention, 2024 All-SEC First Team, 2024 CFN SEC QB of the Year, 2024 Manning Award Finalist, and 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Finalist.
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