Big men aren't supposed to move like that. Seriously. You watch a guy who weighs 325 pounds line up at defensive tackle, and you expect a certain level of... well, "clogging." You expect him to take up space, eat double teams, and maybe fall down on a running back once in a while.
But then there's JJ Pegues.
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If you've spent any time in Oxford, Mississippi, lately, you know the name. They call him "The Mayor." It's not just a cute nickname for a local kid who stayed home—it’s a recognition of a guy who basically owns the 662 area code. But the JJ Pegues Ole Miss story isn't just about a hometown hero returning to the Sip; it’s about a schematic nightmare that forced SEC coordinators to rip up their playbooks every Saturday.
The Tight End Who Became a Defensive Terror
Most people forget that JJ didn't start his college career in the trenches. He was a blue-chip recruit out of Oxford High School, a massive "athlete" who could catch passes as easily as he could pancake linebackers. He actually went to Auburn first.
During his freshman year on the Plains in 2020, he was a tight end. He caught seven passes for 57 yards. Think about that for a second. A guy who now anchors an NFL-caliber defensive line used to be running 10-yard outs and seam routes.
The switch to defense happened in the spring of 2021 because Auburn was thin on the line. It was supposed to be a temporary fix. It ended up changing the trajectory of his entire life. When he finally decided to enter the transfer portal and come back to JJ Pegues Ole Miss territory in 2022, Lane Kiffin didn't just see a defensive tackle. He saw a weapon.
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Why JJ Pegues Ole Miss Stats Don't Tell the Whole Story
If you just look at the box score, you see a solid defensive lineman. In 2024, his final year in Oxford, he racked up 42 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. Those are great numbers—good enough to earn him All-SEC honors—but they don't capture the "JJ Effect."
The Rebels' defense in 2024 was statistically one of the best in the country against the run. They led the nation in sacks (52) and tackles for loss (120). You don't get those numbers without a guy like JJ Pegues demanding two blockers on every single snap. He’s got these "heavy hands"—that’s the scout speak for when a lineman hits you and it feels like a car crash.
The Offensive "Jumbo" Package
The real magic happened when the Rebels got inside the five-yard line. Most teams bring in a backup offensive lineman as a lead blocker. Lane Kiffin? He just told JJ to switch jerseys or stay on the field.
In 2024, JJ Pegues became the nation's premier goal-line threat... as a defensive tackle.
- He rushed 21 times for 69 yards.
- He scored seven rushing touchdowns.
- He led the entire country in touchdowns by a defensive player.
Watching a 325-pound man take a direct snap in the Wildcat and shimmy past a linebacker is objectively hilarious and terrifying at the same time. He wasn't just a "fridge" plunging forward; he actually has nimble feet from his days as a high school point guard.
The "Mayor" and the Chucky Mullins Legacy
You can't talk about JJ Pegues Ole Miss without mentioning the No. 38. In Oxford, that’s sacred. It’s the jersey worn by the winner of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award, given to the player who best embodies the spirit of the late Rebels defender.
JJ wore it with a level of pride that felt different. Maybe because he grew up watching the games from the stands. When he was named "Mayor for a Day" in Oxford during the 2024 Egg Bowl week, it wasn't just a PR stunt. The Board of Aldermen actually voted on it.
He spent his NIL money and his free time giving back to the community, making sure people knew that being a Rebel meant more than just winning games. Honestly, that’s why his move to the NFL—being drafted 180th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 Draft—felt like a win for the whole town.
What scouts got wrong (and right)
NFL scouts were always a bit torn on JJ. Some worried about his height. At 6'2", he's not the "long" interior defender that some GMs drool over. There were also concerns about his conditioning—playing 60+ snaps a game on both sides of the ball in the Mississippi humidity is a lot to ask of a big man.
But his versatility is what won out. During the 2025 NFL Combine, JJ did something most prospects wouldn't dream of: he worked out with both the defensive linemen and the fullbacks/tight ends. He told reporters he’d had "multiple" conversations with teams about a two-way role.
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In a league that is increasingly looking for "positionless" players, a guy who can sub in at nose tackle on 3rd-and-short and then play fullback on the ensuing drive is a massive salary cap hack.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you are tracking the next generation of hybrid players or just following JJ's pro career, here is what to keep an eye on:
- The "Taysom Hill" Path: Watch if the Raiders (or his future teams) utilize him in "Heavy" packages. His 3.3 yards-per-carry average at Ole Miss proves he isn't just a decoy; he can actually find the hole and finish.
- Snap Timing: One of JJ's few weaknesses in college was his get-off at the snap. If he cleans up his reaction time, his natural power and low center of gravity make him nearly unblockable in one-on-one situations.
- Leverage is King: Because he's shorter than the average NFL guard, JJ naturally wins the "low man" battle. Look for him to excel in gap-control schemes where he can get under the pads of 6'5" offensive linemen.
JJ Pegues left Ole Miss with 26.5 career tackles for loss and a legacy that most players can't touch. He proved that you can go away, come back, change positions, and still become the face of a program. Whether he's sacking a quarterback or poaching a touchdown on a fullback dive, he remains one of the most unique athletes the SEC has ever produced.
To get a better sense of his impact, look up his 2024 highlights against Oklahoma or his two-touchdown performance in the 2024 season opener. You'll see exactly why the "Mayor" won't be forgotten in Oxford anytime soon.