2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Ole Miss Edge Rusher/Linebacker Suntarine Perkins

Suntarine Perkins arrived at Ole Miss as one of the most electrifying two-way athletes in the 2023 recruiting class. A five-star prospect from Raleigh, Mississippi, Perkins dominated at the high school level as both a running back and linebacker, earning national attention for his rare combination of speed, physicality, and sheer playmaking instincts. His dynamic skill set made him one of the most coveted prospects in the South, and he chose the Rebels over Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, immediately becoming the future centerpiece of defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s attack-heavy scheme.

As a true freshman, Perkins wasted no time flashing his potential. Ole Miss deployed him all over the field; off-ball linebacker, edge rusher, spy defender, and even occasional snaps in space. His explosiveness and range stood out instantly, and his ability to chase down plays from sideline to sideline made him a fixture on highlight reels. By 2024, Perkins had developed from a versatile athlete into a foundational defender, recording tackles for loss, sacks, pass breakups, and impact plays across multiple alignments.

With a long, wiry frame and legit top-end burst, Perkins brings an NFL prototype for the modern hybrid linebacker. His ability to rush, cover, and pursue makes him one of the most unique defenders in the 2026 draft class.

Strengths

Elite Range and Acceleration

Perkins’ speed jumps off the screen. He covers ground with ease, explodes through pursuit angles, and routinely beats blockers to spots they assume they have leverage on. His closing burst is among the best in the country.

Hybrid Versatility

Few defenders in college football are deployed as creatively. Perkins can play WILL linebacker, off-ball SAM, overhang slot defender, or stand-up edge rusher. His ability to fill multiple roles on a single drive gives defensive coordinators massive flexibility.

Pass-Rush Upside

While still developing his technical rushing package, Perkins wins with pure athleticism—long strides, sharp change of direction, and impressive bend for a player with his length. When he times the snap, he’s in the backfield instantly.

Playmaking Instincts

Perkins has a knack for creating chaos. Whether shooting gaps, disrupting screens, or chasing down mobile quarterbacks, he consistently finds himself around the ball and finishes with violence.

Coverage Ability

Unlike many edge-capable prospects, Perkins can drop into zones fluidly. His speed and length allow him to match running backs and spot-drop effectively against tight ends.

Weaknesses

Functional Strength

Perkins plays with great leverage, but he is still building the play strength needed to take on SEC-caliber offensive linemen consistently. Added bulk and lower-body power will help him anchor better at the point of attack.

Processing Consistency

His aggressive nature occasionally leads to over-pursuit or biting on misdirection. He plays fast—sometimes too fast—and continued development in recognition will elevate his reliability.

Pass-Rush Technique

While the athletic traits are elite, Perkins needs a more refined repertoire of counters and hand usage to thrive as a true edge defender at the next level.

Conclusion

Suntarine Perkins is the type of explosive hybrid defender NFL teams covet—rangy, dynamic, and built for a league that values versatility and speed above all. His ability to excel as both a pass rusher and off-ball linebacker gives him one of the highest ceilings in the 2026 defensive class. Though continued growth in strength and processing is needed, the athletic profile is undeniably special.

Draft Nation projects Perkins as a potential early Day 2 pick with legitimate Round 1 upside if he sharpens his technique and adds mass during the 2025 campaign.