Bucky Brooks is planting his flag — Shedeur Sanders is the top QB in the 2025 NFL Draft. While this class isn’t loaded with elite talent, Sanders and Cam Ward stand out as the only projected first-rounders. Many see Ward as QB1, but Brooks isn’t buying it. His top five? Shedeur Sanders, and Cam Ward leading the pack. But here’s the catch — Shedeur skipping the Senior Bowl might come at a steep cost. With Ward and others seizing the spotlight, Sanders now has to prove he’s still the guy when draft day rolls around.

While the QB1 race just took a wild turn, this time, it’s not Ward stealing the spotlight — it’s 21 YO QB, Jaxson Dart. The Ole Miss gunslinger was once seen as a second-rounder, but that narrative is shifting fast. “The Ole Miss QB continues to gain STEAM 🚂,” as NFL Rookie Watch put it. Now, Dart is the QB3 on over 70% of NFL teams’ draft boards, according to a scouting source. But here’s the real shocker — one NFL scout is all in, ranking Dart over both Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward as the top QB. And the buzz isn’t stopping there. Many NFL scouts reportedly believe Dart “has similar traits and qualities” to Drake Maye as a prospect.

However, Dart isn’t just rising up draft boards—he’s earned his spot. He’s gone toe-to-toe with college football’s best, taking down names like Jayden Daniels, LaNorris Sellers, Carson Beck, Will Levis, and Drew Allar. And when the lights were brightest at the Senior Bowl, Dart delivered – leading a scoring drive in the American team’s victory. Safe to say, his skill set has scouts and analysts buzzing, and his record-setting career at Ole Miss only adds to the hype.

Dart’s 2024 season was nothing short of legendary. He shattered the Ole Miss record books, throwing for 4,279 yards and 29 TDs with just 6 interceptions. He led the SEC in passing yards per game (329.2, third in FBS) and set a school record in total offense (4,774 yards). Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders put up strong numbers too — 4,134 yards, a 74% completion rate, and 37 TDs. But with Dart’s dominance, his first-round projection now feels inevitable.

Talk about Ole Miss HC Lane Kiffin’s 2022 program-saving move! By snagging Dart from the transfer portal, he secured 29 wins, two bowl victories, and a record-breaking QB. Three years later, Dart isn’t just rewriting history — he’s proving he belongs at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft conversation.

See, Dart is officially the best QB Ole Miss has seen since Eli Manning. His draft stock has skyrocketed, and NFL teams are taking notice. Chad Reuter of NFL.com even has the New York Jets trading back into the first round to grab him at pick No. 31.

While Dart has all the tools to succeed at the next level, he’s still a bit raw — a project with massive upside. Most mocks had him as a second-rounder, but after his standout Senior Bowl performance, the script has flipped. And here’s the kicker — CFB fans are now choosing Dart over Shedeur. The momentum is real, and Dart’s first-round dream is closer than ever.

Support for Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart from fans

Jaxson Dart’s stock just keeps soaring. He already earned a first-round projection from an NFL Network analyst, and now ESPN’s Field Yates is on board. In his latest mock draft, Yates has Dart going No. 21 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. And the reason?

“He’s a capable thrower to all levels of the field and has enough mobility to operate outside the pocket and on the run. Dart also took advantage of Senior Bowl week with a strong showing in front of Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, who was on the field at each practice,” said Yates. “This projection represents a big rise up the board from where Dart currently ranks outside my top 32, but quarterbacks always have a chance to climb given positional value. Keep an eye on Dart here as we get closer to April,” he continued.

And Dart’s NFL Combine invite is just another step in his meteoric rise. With scouts already buzzing, he now has the perfect stage to prove he’s QB1 material. And fans? They’re all in. “He QB1 for some teams,” one fan declared. Another doubled down, saying, “HE SHOULD BE 1. Ward is literally the only QB I would CONSIDER taking over him.😂😂😂😂” As the NFL Combine approaches, Dart’s stock is primed to climb even higher. One fan even made a bold prediction: “I actually think he will move even higher after combine and workouts…first overall.”

With Dart now in the QB1 conversation, a natural comparison with Shedeur Sanders emerges. The 2025 QB class may not have the same star power as last year’s group, but a few names are rising fast.

“Shedeur Sanders displayed blockbuster potential as a pocket passer in college, transforming Jackson State and Colorado into winners,” wrote Brooks. But Sanders’ decision to skip the Senior Bowl has left many questioning his draft positioning. Meanwhile, fans are riding the Dart wave. One boldly stated, “Definitely ahead of Sanders,” while another added, “Better than Sanders I fear.” The debate is heating up, and Dart is making his case loud and clear.

Now, all eyes are on Draft Day. Jaxson Dart has climbed the ranks, silenced the doubters, and put himself in the first-round conversation. From underrated to undeniable, the Ole Miss gunslinger has made his mark. Let’s see where Jaxson Dart’s NFL journey begins.