The curtain has closed on Jaxson Dart’s unforgettable college football journey, but not before leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of Ole Miss fans. On Thursday night, the Rebels wrapped up their 2024 season with an emphatic 52-20 victory over the Duke Blue Devils in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, showcasing the brilliance of their departing quarterback.
Ole Miss fans might feel they had a strong case for being one of the top 12 teams in the College Football Playoff, but any sting from that omission was soothed by Thursday’s memorable triumph, largely fueled by Dart’s masterful play.
Dart was at his pinnacle against Duke, threading the needle for four touchdowns without a single interception and completing 27 of his 35 pass attempts. As if that wasn’t enough, he showcased his dual-threat capabilities, amassing 43 rushing yards on 12 carries.
In recognition of his spectacular farewell performance, Dart deservedly took home the Gator Bowl Most Valuable Player award, capping off a 10-3 season for the Rebels.
The victory was crowned by a heartfelt moment shared online, as Ole Miss football’s official X account paid homage to Dart with a touching message, “That’s our Quarterback 🥲.”
Despite announcing his intentions to enter the 2025 NFL Draft last December, Dart chose to suit up one last time for the Rebels, a decision that Ole Miss cherishes and one that adds a special chapter to his college legacy.
