The New York Giants made a bold move Thursday night, trading up from No. 34 to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart No. 25 in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

For Dart, the call was a dream come true.

“It was unreal. It was emotional for sure,” Dart said on a conference call with media shortly after the selection. “You can anticipate and try to make predictions about how you’re going to feel in that moment, but there’s nothing that can prepare you for that phone call.”

Dart said he had a good feeling about the Giants from early on in the process, especially with head coach Brian Daboll.

“Coach Dabs, it was a super easy connection,” Dart said. “His competitive edge really fits how I approach everything. This is a coach that I want to be coached by—no doubt.”

Daboll played a major role in the rise of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and Dart said that success was a major reason he wanted to play for the Giants.

“One hundred percent,” Dart said. “You want to be coached by someone like that.”

While the team has a veteran presence at quarterback, including a Super Bowl winner, Dart said he’s ready to sit, learn, and grow if that’s the plan.

“This is just where my journey starts,” he said. “I can’t wait to learn from those guys and compete to make this team better.”

Dart also has a personal connection to the Manning family. He played at Ole Miss, where Eli Manning became a college legend, and built a strong relationship with the family through the Manning Passing Academy.

“Archie made sure to text me today wishing me good luck, and Eli has been such an amazing resource for me,” Dart said. “I’m going to keep leaning on them.”

And now, the spotlight is on as Dart prepares to lead a franchise that hasn’t seen consistent quarterback play since Eli Manning’s retirement.

“You want to play on the biggest stages and in front of the most passionate fans,” Dart said. “That’s what I wanted to be a part of. I just feel like I’m built for this.”

Dart will now join a quarterback room that includes Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and will have the opportunity to grow in Daboll’s offense that he says can “attack every blade of grass.”

He’s also set to throw to wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was teammates with Dart’s top college target, Tre Harris, back in high school.

“Tre raved about Malik, and he’s one of my best friends,” Dart said. “Malik is going to be the best receiver in the NFL soon. I’m grateful to be playing with him.”

As for fitting into the city?

“No doubt,” Dart said with a grin. “I’ve got an edge to me. I feel like everybody in the city does, too. So, let’s get to it.”