Ole Miss Rebels DL JJ Pegues Nominated For 2023 Wuerffel Trophy

Ole Miss Rebels defensive lineman JJ Pegues has made a huge impact on the Oxford community since transferring from the Auburn Tigers.

OXFORD, Miss. -- Ole Miss Rebels defensive lineman JJ Pegues has been a force on the gridiron since transferring from the Auburn Tigers ahead of the 2022 season, but he has made an even larger impact off the field in the Oxford community.

Pegues was recognized for his numerous acts of service in the Oxford community on Thursday when the senior was nominated for the 2023 Wuerffel Trophy, per The Wuerffel Foundation. Pegues was previously named to the watchlist for the award during the preseason.

The award is presented annually to the FBS player who best combines outstanding community service with leadership achievement on and off the field. The trophy was named after former Florida Gators quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who won the Heisman in 1996.

Pegues has started in all six games this season for Ole Miss, recording 19 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, two sacks, two pass breakups, and one quarterback hurry.

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

In his first season with the Rebels, Pegues registered 26 total tackles, five tackles for a loss, and three sacks. He ended the regular season on a high note in 2022, recording four tackles, one TFL, a pass breakup, and a one-yard touchdown reception versus the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The Oxford, Miss., native has led by example since returning to his hometown and is heavily active in the local community. 

Pegues is active in service events such as Feed the Sip, Adopt-A-Basket, Reading with the Rebels, the Boys and Girls Club, the CASA of North Mississippi Adopt-A-Child Christmas Program, KD's Community Fun Event, a water drive to benefit the city of Jackson, Mississippi, and numerous other programs that have helped people recover from the devastating tornadoes this past spring.

Semifinalists for the Wuerffel trophy will be announced on Nov. 2, and the finalists will be revealed on Nov. 28. 

The 2023 Wuerffel Trophy will be awarded on Feb. 17, 2024, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The winner will have the opportunity to accompany Wuerffel to New York City to attend the Heisman Trophy ceremonies.