New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is stepping into the spotlight sooner than expected.
A native of Kaysville, Utah, the 22-year-old first made waves at the University of Southern California before transferring to Ole Miss, where he developed into one of college football’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
After being selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Dart is taking over as the Giants’ starter in Week 4, replacing veteran Russell Wilson following the team’s 0-3 start.
Dart will make his NFL starting debut on Sunday, September 28 when the Giants host the Los Angeles Chargers, marking a new era of football in the Big Apple.
Here are 5 things you need to know about the Giants’ new budding star.
1. Jaxson Dart Rose From a Small Town to the NFL
Born in 2003 in Kaysville, Utah, a town of just 33,000, Dart quickly turned heads at Corner Canyon High School with a legendary senior season.
Dart threw for over 4,600 passing yards and 67 touchdowns, earning him Gatorade Football Player of the Year and making him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.
The quarterback began his college career at USC, showing flashes of star potential, before transferring to Ole Miss where he flourished under head coach Lane Kiffin.
Known for his toughness, mobility, and big-play arm, Dart finished his collegiate career with more than 11,000 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, and over 1,500 rushing yards.
Dart’s long resumé led to him being a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, cementing his rise from small-town standout to professional quarterback.
2. Jaxson Dart Is a Proud Member of Bachelor Nation
Dart made it clear he still finds time for reality TV, even while grinding through NFL Draft prep.
The quarterback exclusively told Us Weekly in April that he’s a fan of The Bachelor, though he wasn’t thrilled with the latest leading man, Grant Ellis.
“I’m out on Grant,” Dart admitted. “I thought Litia [Garr] was going to run away with it, to be honest. Look, I think that shows that we all don’t think the same. No disrespect, I just feel like he just missed out on a great opportunity.”
Dart also confessed to enjoying Love Island, though he shrugged off the idea of calling it a guilty pleasure.
“It’s just what I like to watch,” he said.
Despite growing up in Utah, Dart added that he hasn’t tuned into The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City or The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
“I don’t watch any of that other stuff,” Dart said.
3. Jaxson Dart Is Already a Fan Favorite in New York
During the Giants’ Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, chants of “We want Jaxson!” erupted throughout MetLife Stadium, a clear signal that supporters were yearning for their new potential star.
When asked about their new starter during a press conference on Thursday, September 25,, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said that he feels like Jaxson is ready for the step up.
“Jaxson has a lot of confidence, and I think that’s good,” Kafka said. “That’s what you want in a quarterback room. Swagger, confidence, I just think Jaxson has that.”
His promotion to starter has only added fuel to the excitement, with supporters now wondering not if he’ll start, but how brightly he’ll shine.
4. Jaxson Dart Is Connected to the Manning Family Legacy
Dart has often spoken about how meaningful his connection with the Manning family is.
In a January interview with On3, he mentioned how big of a part of his life the famous football brood had become.
“They were one of the first families to reach out to me and it’s been special how our bond and connection has been able to grow throughout my time there,” he said. “Doing different events with them and at the same time, them coming to games, shooting ‘Good luck’ texts, and going to the Manning Camp was also an amazing experience. They’ve been a huge asset to me and I look forward to continuing to build a relationship with them.”
That mentorship has extended into the NFL realm. On ESPN’s “The Schrager Hour” podcast, Eli Manning recalled offering to help Jaxson navigate football and life decisions:
“If you have questions about anything, I’m here for you, football-related or when you’re deciding what town you want to live in, or this or that,’” Eli, 44, recalled. “During training camp, he calls me one day, ‘Can you get me a reservation at 4 Charles tonight at 6:30?’ I said, ‘No, no, no. That’s not part of the deal, I’m not your reservations guy.’”
5. Jaxson Dart’s Mom Has Supported Him the Whole Way
One of the most viral moments of the 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t just Dart hearing his name called, it was his mom, Kara Dart, standing proudly at his side. Jaxon’s mother has been a constant presence throughout his journey, both on and off the field.
Kara has always emphasized mental toughness for her son, teaching him to embrace challenges head-on.
“For so many years now, he has not felt comfortable,” she told Sports Illustrated in May 2025. “We have a phrase at our house: ‘You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.’ Because so much of life is that.”
Kara’s influence also goes beyond football. Jaxson has credited his mom with shaping his personal style, too.
“My mom’s into it, and she’s done a great job of letting me choose and find things that I like and just giving me options,” he told GQ in August 2024. “I’ve relied on her for a lot of things in the fashion world. At the same time, I think she gives great input. She worked at Nordstrom growing up, so she’s always been a part of it.”
Whether it’s teaching him resilience or helping him nail his draft-night look, Kara has remained a steady guide as her son transitioned from small-town Utah standout to first-round NFL quarterback.