FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Jaxson Dart etched his name in Ole Miss history by achieving new records for passing yards and touchdown completions in a single game, surpassing the marks set by legends Matt Corral and Eli Manning. This remarkable feat took place during the Rebels’ impressive 63-31 victory over Arkansas on Saturday.
Dart was exceptional, throwing for four touchdowns and amassing 321 yards by halftime. His connections with Jordan Watkins were particularly noteworthy, as he linked up with him for three touchdowns, including impressive 62 and 66-yard receptions on consecutive drives. By the end of the game, Dart completed 25 of 31 passes for a staggering 515 yards and six touchdowns.
Ole Miss (7-2, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) established a commanding 35-10 lead by halftime, characterized by scoring on three consecutive drives in the second quarter. The scoring began when Princely Umanmielen recovered a fumble by Taylen Green in the end zone early in the first quarter. Dart later sealed the half with a three-yard touchdown pass to Watkins, marking Dart’s fourth touchdown in just the first half.
Arkansas (5-4, 3-3 SEC) managed to contain Ole Miss briefly during the game, with their lone significant defensive stop occurring on the Rebels’ initial drive. Overall, Ole Miss amassed an impressive 694 total offensive yards, converting seven out of nine possessions into scores, with only one punt.
In the latter part of the game, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman opted to utilize second-string players, and backup quarterback Malachi Singleton made a considerable impact, completing 11 of 14 passes for 207 yards and throwing for a touchdown, while also rushing for 39 yards and another score. The Razorbacks found the end zone again with rushing touchdowns from Rashod Dubinion and Rodney Hill.
Watkins himself set school records with five touchdown receptions and totaled 254 receiving yards. Dae’Quan Wright also caught a touchdown pass from Dart, adding another from quarterback Austin Simmons in the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead, Ole Miss will have the opportunity to play spoiler against No. 2 Georgia next week, a game that could propel the Rebels into discussions surrounding the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Arkansas has already matched last year’s win total but is still just short of securing bowl eligibility and sits squarely in the SEC standings.
Next on the schedule for Ole Miss is a matchup against No. 2 Georgia on November 9, while Arkansas will enjoy a bye week before returning on November 16 to host No. 6 Texas.