In a development that could have major implications for the Ole Miss Rebels’ fearsome defense, standout edge rusher Suntarine Perkins recently underwent shoulder surgery to address a labrum issue. The rising junior, fresh off a breakout campaign in which he tied for the team lead in sacks and tackles for loss, now faces an uncertain road to recovery with spring practice on the horizon.
Sources close to the situation told ESPN that while the exact timetable for Perkins’ return hinges on the speed of his rehabilitation, the Ole Miss program remains cautiously optimistic he will be back to full strength in time for the start of the 2025 season. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound pocket-collapsing phenom proved to be a cornerstone of a historically dominant Rebels defense in 2024, and his absence would undoubtedly be felt if it extends into the new campaign.
A Force to be Reckoned With
Perkins burst onto the scene as a sophomore, showcasing a rare blend of explosiveness, strength, and relentless motor. He led all SEC players with a staggering nine sacks in conference play, serving as the linchpin of an Ole Miss unit that surrendered a miniscule 20 touchdowns across 13 games – the best mark in the nation.
Suntarine was an absolute game-wrecker for us last year. His ability to get after the quarterback and make plays in the backfield was a huge reason for our success. We’re going to support him every step of the way in his recovery.
– Ole Miss Head Coach Lane Kiffin
A Potential Setback for a Surging Squad
The Rebels have been on a tear of late, notching double-digit wins in three of the past four seasons. However, the 2025 campaign was already shaping up to be one of transition on the defensive side of the ball. Ole Miss is set to lose 10 of its top 12 tacklers from a unit that led the country in sacks (52) and finished second in rushing defense (80.5 yards per game).
Perkins’ uncertain status only compounds the challenge facing defensive coordinator Chris Partridge. While the team is holding out hope that the surgery will not result in an extended absence, contingency plans may need to be put in place to account for the potential void in the pass rush.
The Road to Recovery
For now, all eyes will be on Perkins’ rehabilitation process. The rising star will no doubt be chomping at the bit to rejoin his teammates on the practice field, but the medical staff and coaching brain trust will assuredly err on the side of caution to protect the long-term health of one of the program’s most prized assets.
- Potential Spring Practice Timeline – Even the most optimistic projections would likely have Perkins on a limited basis, if he’s able to participate at all
- Increased Reps for Young Players – Spring ball could present an opportunity for promising underclassmen to step up and state their case in Perkins’ stead
The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining just how much of an impact this injury will have on both Perkins’ junior season and the Rebels’ 2025 aspirations. For a program on the rise and a defensive unit in transition, the health of their most disruptive force is unquestionably priority number one.
