Duke vs Ole Miss starting QB today: Gator Bowl game QB Depth Chart

Duke and Ole Miss will clash at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida to finish their 2024 season. The game will be played on Jan. 2 at 7:30 pm ET at Ever Bank Stadium.

The Duke Blue Devils (9-3) overachieved this season only losing to bowl-bound SMU, Miami, and Georgia Tech. The Ole Miss Rebels (9-3) were in the mix for a College Football Playoff berth, but a late-season loss to the Florida Gators had them on the outside looking in.

The quarterback matchup in this game will be a clear advantage for the Rebels. While Jaxson Dart will start in his final college game, Henry Belin IV will open a game for the second time in his career.

Who is Henry Belin IV starting QB for Duke in the Gator Bowl game?

Henry Belin IV will get his shot against Ole Miss. - Source: Imagn

With Maalik Murphy and Grayson Loftis entering the transfer portal, Henry Belin IV will take the start for the Blue Devils. Murphy, the team’s starter in 2024, is expected to go to Oregon State.

Belin has seen spot duty over the last three seasons, going 19-for-35 with three scores and one interception. He added 35 yards and a touchdown as a runner. Belin IV completed his only pass this season for seven yards.

The sophomore from New York will look to make a big impression and get a head start for 2025. Duke landed former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah in the transfer portal.

Who is Jaxson Dart starting QB for Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl game?

While Duke will be breaking in a new quarterback, Ole Miss will be saying farewell to senior Jaxson Dart. The Kaysville, Utah native arrived at Oxford in 2022 after a year at USC. He’s thrown for 11,566 yards, 77 touchdowns and 27 interceptions.

This season was his best year as a passer, with career-highs in completion percentage (68.6%), yards (3,875) and touchdowns (25). He also had a six-touchdown performance against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Dart is expected to be in the second group of quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with Dillon Gabriel, Carson Beck, Jalen Milroe, and Quinn Ewers, if they enter the Draft.

Duke vs Ole Miss: Head-to-Head History

Duke and Ole Miss will face each other for the first time at the Gator Bowl. This will also be the Blue Devils’ first trip to the Gator Bowl. The Rebels will try to even their record in Jacksonville, as they have lost two of their three Gator Bowl appearances.

Mississippi hasn’t played in this game since a 35-3 loss to the Michigan Wolverines in 1991.