LIVE! From the ‘Grove Bowl Games’: Jaxson Dart and more

On Apr 14, 2024

Team Red was running away with Ole Miss football’s ‘Grove Bowl Games’ on Saturday.

Chestnut, the 16-time winner of the Nathan’s Hot-Dog-Eating Contest, brought Navy back by subbing in and taking down 20 hot dogs.

“Chestnut’s a dog,” Ole Miss senior defensive lineman JJ Pegues said. Pegues was a captain for Navy. “Literally a Hot Dog King, that’s why I didn’t go up against him.

“We just took it like a pro mindset. That’s what we always talk about around here. We did pretty good. It was a great day overall. I mean, it was the first time ever doing it, which is an honor. I feel like everything went well. Feel great.”

Red still came out on top, 71-70, but the ‘Games’ were a hit for all involved, even senior quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Dart was one of the many high-profile Rebels who took it easy this spring for precautionary reasons/to recover from injury/a little bit of both.

However, he still found a way to stay engaged, including throwing himself into the ‘Games.’

“It was a little bit different of a spring for me than I’ve had in my college career,” Dart said. “Just going through and trying to get healthy from an injury, I think it gave me a different perceptive as a leader. Trying to be as involved as I can without being hands-on. Mentally, it was a big growing period for me. That part of it was very beneficial. With the new guys, it’s been great.”

Dart is in his third season as Ole Miss starter.

Dart came in at No. 6 when ranked in February by Pro Football Focus as one of the Top 10 returning QBs in college football for 2024. He was third in the SEC in passing yards (3,364) last season. His 24 touchdowns were tied for fourth.

“It was really fun,” Dart said of the spring. Ole Miss will practice one final time on Monday. “The whole team was involved in every activity, which made it super fun. I’m pretty positive you’ll see more of that from other teams going forward.”

Pegues, Chestnut, Dart and head coach Lane Kiffin all met the media following the event-filled day. Here’s everything they had to say.

WATCH: First iteration of ‘Grove Bowl Games’ a hit for Ole Miss football