When former USC quarterback Jaxson Dart transferred to Ole Miss this offseason, he appeared to be the clear frontrunner to win the Rebels’ starting job. The five-star transfer and former four-star high school recruit flashed huge talent last season for the Trojans but struggled during Ole Miss’ Grove Bowl spring game on Saturday. Dart threw two interceptions, one for a pick-6 and another that ended with the quarterback getting blown up while trying to throw a block on the return. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin joined the SEC Network broadcast during the game and was asked by Tom Hart about the quarterback competition between Dart and Luke Altmyer.
“Jaxson’s trying to win the battle every play of course and forcing the ball, as you can see,” Kiffin said. “Luke is being patient and playing within the offense and has been playing better as you can see.”
As is typical for spring games, Ole Miss’ quarterbacks were both in non-contact jerseys. But Dart tried to make a play after making a bad decision and paid the price. Kiffin chalked the play up to Dart playing with emotion in the heat of the moment.
