By: Jersey Hendrix
Photo by: Ole Miss Athletics
Football season may be over, but what this Ole Miss team accomplished deserves more than a quick mention. The Rebels wrapped up a historic 2025 season with a 13–2 record, made their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, and finished the year with a thrilling 31–27 loss to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. The run came amid major adversity, including a coaching change just before the playoffs, making the season even more impressive. Credit goes to the entire staff, the team, and Pete for holding it all together.
While Ole Miss succeeded as a team, several Mississippi-born players stepped up in key moments and helped push the Rebels to new heights. This season showcased not only national talent, but also the impact of homegrown players who know what it means to represent their state.
One of those players was Suntarine Perkins (Raleigh, Mississippi), a linebacker who quickly became a key piece of the Rebels’ defense. Known for his explosiveness and speed, Perkins made his presence felt throughout the season. He finished the year with 41 solo tackles and 4.5 sacks. Constantly applying pressure and setting the tone defensively.
“Being a part of our run to the semifinals meant a lot to me,” Perkins said. “Everyone put in the work—from the players to the coaches and staff—and I just focused on doing my job and motivating my teammates. We’re not just a team, we’re a family, and that’s what helped us through.”
Another Mississippi native who played a major role was Kam Franklin (Lake Cormorant, Mississippi), a defensive end who anchored the Rebels’ pass rush. Franklin finished the season with 33 solo tackles and five sacks, providing consistent pressure off the edge.
“I just focused on being consistent and doing my job for the team,” Franklin said. “Whether it was pressuring the quarterback or playing my assignment, my goal was to be dependable. But this run was about all of us—the coaches, my teammates, everyone buying in. I’m just grateful to be part of something special.”
Will Echoles (Houston, Mississippi) had an incredible season. The defensive tackle recorded 32 solo tackles and five sacks on the season, using his physicality to disrupt opposing offenses. His impact was on full display in the Sugar Bowl. He was named Defensive Player of the Game after delivering one of his strongest performances of the year.
“This whole season has been personal, especially at the Sugar Bowl,” Echoles said. “We played in our late teammate’s hometown, and we wanted to make him proud. We played all the way through, and I know next year we’ll be even better.”
The Rebels also carried the memory of Corey Adams throughout the postseason, honoring their late teammate by playing with purpose and unity.
As Ole Miss reflects on a season that reshaped the program, the impact of its Mississippi-born players stands out. Through the adversities the Rebels faced this entire season, I figured some recognition and praise is needed. Looking forward for next season
