In a surprising turn of events, Ole Miss star quarterback Jaxson Dart has filed for contract termination, sending shockwaves through the NCAA community. This unexpected move comes on the heels of Dart’s announcement to declare for the NFL Draft after the Gator Bowl against Duke on January 2, 2025. During his tenure at Ole Miss, Dart set a school record with 10,213 passing yards and secured 68 touchdowns, second only to Eli Manning. His stellar performance in the 2024 season, amassing 3,875 passing yards and 25 touchdowns with just six interceptions, led the Rebels to a commendable 9-3 record.
The decision to terminate his contract has left fans and analysts speculating about the underlying reasons. Some suggest it could be related to potential conflicts with the coaching staff or disagreements over NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. Notably, in February 2024, Dart made headlines by signing an unprecedented NIL deal with Nicholas Air, granting him access to private jets for travel, training, and philanthropic endeavors. This groundbreaking partnership marked the first of its kind between a college football player and a private aviation company.
Others propose that Dart’s decision might be influenced by his draft prospects. Reports indicate that NFL teams, including the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders, have shown interest in Dart as a potential franchise quarterback. The Jets, seeking a successor to Aaron Rodgers, have been impressed by Dart’s arm talent and performance at the Senior Bowl, considering him a viable option for the upcoming draft. Similarly, the Raiders are evaluating the possibility of reuniting Dart with his high school teammate, center Jackson Powers-Johnson, to strengthen their offensive lineup.
While the exact motivations behind Dart’s contract termination remain undisclosed, this development undoubtedly adds intrigue to his transition from college football to the professional arena. As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Dart to see how this decision impacts his future career and the dynamics of the teams vying for his talent.
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