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Ole Miss superstar pass-rusher named preseason All-American

Quite the honor for the stud playmaker.
ByDrew Moore|
Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) reacts with defensive lineman Princely Umanmielen (1) after a defensive stop during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) reacts with defensive lineman Princely Umanmielen (1) after a defensive stop during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Rising junior EDGE Suntarine Perkins continues to draw national attention, as he was named to a prestigious 2025 Preseason All-American team this week, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive players in college football.

Perkins, a native of Raleigh, Miss., was selected to the second-team defense by Sporting News, a nod to his breakout sophomore season and expected impact this fall. Earlier in the offseason, he was also named to numerous All-SEC teams. Known for his elite speed, aggressive instincts, and sideline-to-sideline tackling ability, Perkins is quickly becoming the cornerstone of Pete Golding’s Ole Miss defense.

When Perkins announced his commitment to Lane Kiffin and the Rebels way back in 2022, it was a massive turning point for the program. He was a true five-star prospect, the top player in the state of Mississippi and a top 25 player nationally. It took him a bit to add the necessary weight and find a role at the collegiate ranks, but he fully broke out last season.

In 2024, Perkins recorded 60 total tackles and 10.5 sacks, tying current Carolina Panther Princely Umanmielen for the team lead last season. Indeed, 10.5 sacks was also good enough for second all-time in Ole Miss single season history. Perkins also tallied a team high 14 TFLs.

He flashed the versatility that made him one of the most coveted recruits in the nation coming out of high school. He played a hybrid linebacker role, often used to rush the passer, spy mobile quarterbacks, and drop into coverage — a modern defensive weapon tailor-made for the SEC.

Now, heading into his sophomore campaign, expectations are sky-high for Perkins, who is expected to take on more of a leadership responsibility on and off the field. His Preseason All-American recognition only adds to the buzz surrounding the Ole Miss defense, which returns a ton of talent and has reloaded through the transfer portal. Beyond that, Perkins is receiving considerable buzz of what his future holds in the 2026 NFL draft. Several mock drafts have him inside the first round next spring.