‘The Mayor’ JJ Pegues thanks Ole Miss fans, expresses his thoughts on Egg Bowl and representing Chucky Mullins for final time in The Vaught
OXFORD, Miss. – Oxford native JJ Pegues will participate in his last Egg Bowl this Friday after spending his last three collegiate seasons as an Ole Miss Rebel. Having been dubbed “The Mayor” of Oxford by his teammates throughout the season, Pegues will also serve as the honorary Mayor of the town on November 29th, according to Mayor Robyn Tannehill.
Pegues is a 2020 graduate of Oxford High School, but he chose to play for Auburn his first two seasons. However, he made the decision to return to Oxford for his final three seasons.
“I’ve known Mayor Tannehill from high school and we just had that bond since then. She texted me like ‘Hey, I was watching the game and they were calling you ‘The Mayor’ and I actually want you to be the Mayor one day’. I said ‘what about Mississippi State week?’ That’s how it really came about,” Pegues explained.
Pegues talked to us yesterday about what it means to prepare for his final game inside of the Vaught.
“It means a lot. I really haven’t tried to think about it just because I know it’s going to hit differently, but it means a lot. I just thank my family for being there for me through the tough times, and I thank the fans for calling me ‘The Mayor’ and stuff like that… I don’t feel like God is done with me yet here, and I get to be the Mayor on the 29th, so maybe I can change some rules or something like that.”
– Pegues on his last game in the Vaught
Every act of service, big or small, builds a stronger community. Honored to be part of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, and now, I need your help to carry the mission forward! Vote for me as Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient and Good Works Team captain and let’s continue to… pic.twitter.com/5IRsg4H35h
— JJ Pegues (@JeremiahPegues4) November 12, 2024
Throughout his time at Ole Miss, Pegues has made a tremendous impact on the Rebel defense. He has tallied 103 tackles (50 solo), recorded 9.5 sacks, five pass deflections and one fumble recovery. But, as most fans know, Pegues doesn’t just play defense. The big fella also has been there when Ole Miss needed him on the offensive side of the ball. He has carried the ball 28 times in short-yardage situations (3.1 yard per carry average), notching 87 rushing yards to go along with seven total touchdowns (six rushing).
“It’s been great. Just the opportunities and chances that I had at Auburn and here, I’m thankful. I just give it up to God that I’m still here and being able to play the sport that I love.”
JJ Pegues
Ole Miss will host a 2-9 Mississippi State team that has zero Power 4 wins and numerous double-digit losses. Being 26.5-point favorites over the Bulldogs, Rebels’ head coach Lane Kiffin has made a point to express how competitive rivalry games can be, regardless of the opposing team’s record.
“No matter what the record is, these two teams are going to face each other and it’s just going to be a bloodbath, Pegues said. “I played in the Iron Bowl, I really didn’t understand it, but I just knew the history behind it. No matter what the record was or who was the best guy on the team — it didn’t matter. Still mano a mano and win your one-on-one.”
Coach Kiffin had former Mississippi State player (2000-2004) and analyst (2005-2007) Joe Judge address the team using a personal anecdote from his time in Starkville.
“Coach (Joe) Judge actually came up here talking to us and he was just saying how he was at State and they were getting ready to go to the SEC Championship, and they looked over Ole Miss and Ole Miss didn’t have a good record then. Deuce (McAllister) went there and did his thing. Just little things, you can’t look over them.“
– Pegues on Joe Judge’s message to the team
Two legendary college towns, two universities steeped in tradition, and a fierce rivalry!
Oxford and Starkville are where students go to learn, where athletes go to win, and where alums go to cheer.
Excited to see these great cities in the spotlight for the annual Egg Bowl! pic.twitter.com/Y9aAi3F2Qm
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) November 26, 2024
In addition to wanting to beat their in-state rival, the Rebels are seemingly hanging on by a thread to their college football playoff hopes, as they were ranked the No. 14 team in the country on Tuesday night by the College Football Playoff Committee. It’s evident that several upsets need to take place on Saturday for the Rebs to even have a chance, but it starts with Ole Miss taking care of business in dominant fashion on Friday afternoon.
It will be the last time in the Vaught that Pegues will wear the No. 38 honoring Chucky Mullins.
“It’s going to mean a lot. Just representing him and his legacy. I know my name is a big name in Oxford so just being able to have that on the back of 38 and just being able to represent him — I mean it’s going to mean the world to me. Hopefully we get the win and hopefully I get a couple more touchdowns too with it.“
JJ Pegues on wearing the No. 38
Ole Miss versus Mississippi State will kickoff at 2:30 p.m. CT this Friday afternoon in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Until then, be sure to stay tuned to The Rebel Walk for all of your Ole Miss sports needs.
