Ole Miss Rebels DL JJ Pegues Returning To Oxford For 2024

Ole Miss Rebels defensive lineman JJ Pegues announced that he will return to Oxford for his final year of eligibility on Wednesday night.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The No. 11 Ole Miss Rebels lost a couple of players to the NCAA Transfer Portal this week, but the program received some good news on Wednesday night, as senior defensive lineman JJ Pegues announced via social media that he will be returning to Oxford for his final year of eligibility.

"Unfinished business!!!! Spot The Ball!!! @LetsGo_Bo5 @grovecollectnil @CoachGolding." -- Pegues via X (formerly known as Twitter).

In his announcement, Pegues tagged his defensive line coach, Randall Joyner, The Grove Collective, and his defensive coordinator, Pete Golding. The Oxford, Miss., native also included a graphic in his post with the phrase "Staying Home."

Ole Miss Rebels defensive lineman JJ Pegues on the sidelines during the 2022 home matchup vs. the Kentucky Wildcats / Carleigh Holt-The Grove Report

This is incredible news for the Rebels going into 2024, as Pegues finished second on the team in tackles for loss with 8.0, and third in sacks with 3.5. He finished the 2023 regular season with 40 total tackles and registered two pass breakups.

The former four-star tight end spent his first two seasons with the Auburn Tigers before electing to return to his hometown to play for Ole Miss ahead of the 2022 season. Since then, Pegues has recorded 66 total tackles, 13 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and four passes defended in two seasons as a starter with the Rebels.

Ole Miss Defensive Lineman Nominated For 2023 Wuerffel Trophy

Pegues has been a force in the trenches for Ole Miss since his return, but he has made an even greater impact off the field in the Oxford community. The senior was nominated for the 2023 Wuerffel Trophy in October, which is awarded annually to the FBS player who best combines outstanding community service with leadership achievement on and off the field.