Suntarine Perkins, a senior linebacker for the Ole Miss Rebels, has been honored with the 2026 Chucky Mullins Courage Award, the program’s most prestigious recognition for defensive upperclassmen.
A Legacy of Courage
The award, named after former Rebel Chucky Mullins, commemorates a player whose career was cut short by a life‑altering injury in 1989, and it celebrates those who embody the same relentless spirit and leadership on the field.
Perkins, who grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, has appeared in 41 games over three seasons, recording a career‑high 81 tackles in 2025 while also contributing 18.5 sacks and two interceptions.
The honor will see him wear the number 38 jersey, the same digit Mullins donned during his collegiate career, a symbolic link that underscores the continuity of bravery within the program.
The Rebels are slated to open the 2026 season on September 6 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, where they will face Louisville in what promises to be a pivotal test of Perkins’ leadership.
Sam Hutchens, a journalist with the Clarion Ledger, announced the award, emphasizing its significance for both the player and the university’s tradition.