As Jaxson Dart transitions from college football to the professional level, NFL scouts are closely evaluating his potential. Every draft cycle brings uncertainty, with quarterbacks rising in value unexpectedly.
Dart’s path reflects this pattern, combining natural talent with improving performance that has sparked discussions about his NFL future. His story is similar to past players who, despite average statistics, seized key opportunities to reshape their careers.
Jaxson Dart’s Early Life And Career Beginnings
Born on May 13, 2003, in Kaysville, Utah, Jaxson Dart spent his early high school years at Roy High School before transferring to Corner Canyon High School in Draper for his senior season. That year, he delivered an outstanding performance, throwing for 4,691 yards and setting a state record with 67 touchdowns while throwing just four interceptions. He also contributed on the ground, rushing for 1,195 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.
His achievements earned him the Gatorade Football Player of the Year award and recognition as the MaxPreps National Player of the Year. Over his high school career, he amassed 10,688 passing yards and 117 touchdowns.
Dart received multiple college offers, including one from Arizona State University, where he trained in the offseason with former ASU quarterback Taylor Kelly. However, he ultimately chose to commit to the University of Southern California (USC) to continue his football career.
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Beyond football, he was also a talented baseball player, earning all-state honors twice as a third baseman.
Jaxson Dart College Career
In his first season at USC in 2021, Jaxson Dart competed for the backup quarterback role behind Kedon Slovis. During the annual Spring Game, he impressed coaches with his mobility and strong arm. On the final play, he connected with fellow freshman Michael Jackson III for a touchdown, with Jackson making a remarkable one-handed diving catch.
On September 18, Dart stepped in during USC’s game against Washington State after Kedon Slovis suffered an injury. It was the Trojans’ first game following the dismissal of head coach Clay Helton. His first drive ended with an interception, but he quickly recovered, throwing a 38-yard touchdown pass later in the first half.
By the end of the game, he completed 30 of 46 passes for 391 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, leading USC to a dominant 42–14 victory. His 391 passing yards set a new record for the most by a USC quarterback in a debut, surpassing JT Daniels’ 282 yards in 2018.
Dart made his first career start on November 20 against UCLA. After the 2021 season, Lincoln Riley was hired as USC’s new head coach, sparking speculation that Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams would transfer to USC. With uncertainty surrounding his role, Dart entered the NCAA transfer portal. He later transferred to Ole Miss along with USC teammate Michael Trigg and became the starting quarterback under head coach Lane Kiffin.
