Ole Miss will have another group of talented defensive players heading into 2025. Some have come in from the transfer portal, and several have been with the program from the start.
One of those players is linebacker/edge Suntarine Perkins, who is heading into his third season with the Rebels. ESPN expects big things from the Mississippi native, selecting him in ESPN's Way-Too-Early College Football All-America Team.
Ole Miss Fans are well aware of Perkins' talent. He broke out as a true freshman and continued his high performances during the 2024 season. Players like Walter Nolen, Jared Ivey, and others got most of the plaudits last season, but Perkins was also a massive part of one of the best defenses in the nation.
Suntarine Perkins with the 3rd down stop 🦈@suntarine | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/9l3P2FP4V9
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 5, 2024
In his two seasons with the Rebels, Perkins has recorded 98 tackles, 14 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. He recorded 10.5 sacks in 2024, tied with Princely Umanmielen as the leader.
Perkins will have a slightly different role this season, as he will be seen as a defensive leader, especially up front. It is another good year for him, and there is no doubt he will be heading to the NFL as a first-round prospect.
Here is the ESPN Way-Too-Early College Football All-America Team:
Offense
QB: Cade Klubnik, Clemson
RB: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
RB: Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
WR: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
WR: Ryan Williams, Alabama
TE: Max Klare, Ohio State
OT: Francis Mauigoa, Miami
OG: Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
C: Jake Slaughter, Florida
OG: Cayden Green, Missouri
OT: Spencer Fano, Utah
All Purpose: Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh
Defense
DE: T.J. Parker, Clemson
DT: Peter Woods, Clemson
DL: LT Overton, Alabama
DE: Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
LB: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
LB: Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
LB: Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss
CB: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
CB: Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
S: Caleb Downs, Ohio State
S: Rod Moore, Michigan
Special Teams
PK: Dominic Zvada, Michigan
P: Brett Thorson, Georgia
Returner: Barion Brown, LSU