Suntarine Perkins, a senior linebacker for the Ole Miss Rebels, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award, a distinction that celebrates extraordinary perseverance on and off the field.
A Legacy of Courage
The award is named for Charles "Chucky" Mullins, a defensive back whose career was tragically altered during a 1989 contest when a collision left him paralyzed; he later passed away in 1991, and his story continues to inspire teammates and fans alike.
Perkins’ 2025 season placed her second on the team with 81 total tackles, including 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, earning her preseason All‑SEC second‑team honors and a spot on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list for the upcoming campaign.
Season Opener in Nashville
The Rebels will open the 2026 schedule on September 6 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, where they meet the Louisville Cardinals in a highly anticipated matchup that promises to showcase the team’s renewed vigor.
That game also marks the first meeting between Ole Miss and Louisville since the Rebels’ run to the College Football Playoff semifinals in the 2025 season, a breakthrough that has heightened expectations for the program under Coach Pete Golding.
Looking Forward
Beyond the statistics, Perkins’ leadership embodies the qualities the award seeks to honor, and her recognition underscores the Rebels’ commitment to fostering resilience within their roster as they look to build on last year’s historic playoff appearance.