As Bowl Season heats up, fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup tonight as the 14th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels take on Duke in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at 8:00 p.m. on ESPN. Among the key players to watch is Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has emerged as a significant NFL draft prospect, particularly for teams like the New York Giants, who are looking for their franchise quarterback for 2025 and beyond.

Jaxson Dart has had a noteworthy season, amassing impressive stats with 3,875 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. However, there are mixed opinions regarding his readiness for the NFL. Some scouts question whether he has thrived solely due to the talent surrounding him at Ole Miss or if he genuinely possesses the skills needed to transition successfully to professional football.

Dart's physical attributes, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 225 pounds, coupled with his strong arm and athleticism make him a compelling prospect. While he may not have the elite characteristics of players like Josh Allen, his capabilities are more than adequate for the majority of NFL offenses. Dart's risk-taking style has paid off, as he leads the FBS in deep passing yards, with an average depth of target of 12.2 yards. His adjusted completion percentage of 76.5% further emphasizes his efficiency in pushing the ball downfield.

Despite his high production, lingering doubts arise from his performance against tougher competition later in the year. While Dart showed remarkable resilience by returning to play through injuries, such as his ankle strain during a critical game against Georgia, he also revealed some weaknesses. His high pressure-to-sack rate of 19.2% suggests he tends to take unnecessary risks, leading to avoidable sacks. How he performs in the Gator Bowl could significantly impact his draft stock, as NFL teams are keenly watching to see if he can elevate his game against a formidable opponent.

In addition to Dart, the Ole Miss roster features several other future NFL talents. One of those is edge rusher Princely Umanmeilen, who transferred from Florida and had a standout season with 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. At 6 feet 4 inches and 255 pounds, Umanmeilen has the size and versatility recruiters are looking for. Despite undergoing surgery earlier this year, his toughness and ability to pressure the quarterback make him another player to keep an eye on during the Gator Bowl.

On Duke's side, cornerback Chandler Rivers has quietly made a name for himself, earning First Team All-ACC honors in 2024. Measuring in at 5 feet 10 inches and 180 pounds, he may be viewed as a slot-only option at the next level. However, his agility, quick instincts, and ability to disrupt passing lanes—evidenced by his 16 passes defensed over the last two seasons and four interceptions (two for touchdowns)—could turn him into a compelling prospect as the draft process progresses.

With a potential for thrilling plays and critical performances affecting their futures, all eyes are on Jaxson Dart and other draft hopefuls in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. As they face off against Duke, this game could be a significant stepping stone in their journey to the NFL. Don't miss the opportunity to see which player rises to the occasion!