Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is silencing doubts in style, but not in the typical way star players shine. With an incredible 9.8 yards per play and 384.9 yards of total offense per game, Dart leads the nation. Yet, he doesn’t want all the credit. This time, though, the standout QB is taking pride in his team’s success while throwing shade at those who doubted Ole Miss after their losses to Kentucky and LSU.

Following their dominant win over Georgia on November 15, Dart posted a sharp message on Instagram: “Nah… y’all stay on that side. Don’t switch up now. Checkmate♟️.” The post seems directed at bandwagon fans and analysts who criticized Ole Miss earlier in the season. Now that the Rebels have taken down Georgia, those same skeptics are reevaluating and starting to see Ole Miss as a legitimate playoff contender—and maybe even a national championship threat. Dart’s message makes one thing clear: the QB is calling for critics to stay in their lane, in the best possible way.

The team’s standout quarterback used a background song in his post to clarify what he was saying. It was “Dirty Diana,” a popular track by Michael Jackson from 1988. Jaxson Dart’s direct stance is also expressed in the song’s phrase, “Checkmate Bit–, Ha Ha..” If you don’t know, the quarterback had to deal with a lot of criticism before the Georgia game because of the team’s defeats. Therefore, it appeared before the game that Jaxson’s performance this week would determine Ole Miss’s destiny because it is their final opportunity to shed their exaggerated reputation.

And observe the outcome: this season’s quarterback-wide receiver bond literally silences detractors. By Week 11, four players on the Ole Miss receiving corps had each amassed at least 500 yards. Tre Harris III led the charge, falling just short of the 1,000-yard milestone. Juice Wells, Cayden Lee, and Jordan Watkins—all of whom Dart has consistently targeted—followed. This demonstrates their strong team camaraderie that goes beyond a simple stat line. Yards are the currency of college football, and Ole Miss just made a killing! After dismantling the No. 2 Bulldogs, the No. 10 Rebels are living large.

Still, there is uncertainty regarding Jaxson Dart’s injury severity because he was briefly sidelined during the game versus Georgia due to a left ankle injury sustained after the first attempt.

Jaxson Dart’s injury severity

Dart was sent straight to the locker room following the play in the first half against the Dawgs because he was having trouble bearing weight on his left foot. You must, however, believe that it’s all over. But Lane Kiffin took the risk. On the third drive, the Rebels brought out Jaxson Dart once more. Despite this setback, they persevered and defeated the Bulldogs in Mississippi. 

In order to get Ole Miss ready for its second drive, backup quarterback Austin Simmons stepped charge. With five of six throws completed for 64 yards on that drive, he was like a machine. Ole Miss marched right down the field and tied the game at seven. While the young quarterback has a strong arm, it might be too early for him to take over as the starter.

Meanwhile, everyone’s worried about Dart’s injury. His return is uncertain, and the QB room is looking a bit shaky. After the thrilling win, the goalpost came crashing down, but with the QB situation up in the air, the mood might be a bit different now.