Football isn’t just about stats and big plays—it’s about the stories that sneak up on you and stay. This season at Ole Miss, the standout story wasn’t just Lane Kiffin’s playbook or the Kiffin family’s legendary football ties. Sure, Lane and his brother Chris—now a player personnel analyst—are carrying on their late father Monte Kiffin’s iconic legacy. But the real magic? A heart-stealing bond between Lane’s sister-in-law, Angela Timmons Kiffin, and a senior DT reminded everyone why football is so much more than a game.

Leave it to Lane Kiffin—college football’s favorite headline machine—to steal the spotlight at the Gator Bowl trophy presentation. With a grin and a trademark one-liner, he told the crowd, “We’re just getting started.” That came after his Rebels demolished a shorthanded Duke team, 52-20, on Thursday night. But the real star of the night? JJ Pegues. Standing at 6’2” and 325 pounds, the towering defensive tackle isn’t just a player—he’s a walking, talking Ole Miss legend. Pegues, one of the most dynamic forces to ever Hotty Toddy his way through Oxford, closed out his Rebels career with a performance as big as his presence, leaving a legacy that’s anything but ordinary.

As the dust settled on the Rebels’ second straight 10-win season, JJ Pegues—the crowd favorite and undisputed favorite of Lane Kiffin’s sister-in-law’s kids—soaked in a picture-perfect moment on the field. She posted a heartfelt Instagram story featuring Pegues with her kids, calling him “Happy for this guy! Always SO awesome to our kids! ❤,” celebrating his role not just as a player but as a part of their extended family.

Off the field, Pegues’ bond with the Kiffin family solidified his status as a fan favorite. Known around Oxford as a gentle giant, JJ Pegues became a big brother figure to Chris Kiffin’s kids. He shares a relationship that Angela Timmons Kiffin described as ‘family’. It’s not often you see this kind of connection in college football. But Pegues isn’t just any player. His impact went beyond tackles and touchdowns—it was about the way he made people feel, from fans in the stands to the Kiffins’ youngest family members.

It’s fitting that Pegues would leave such a legacy in Oxford. Famous around Oxford for the ‘Pegues Plunge’. A transfer from Auburn, Pegues started his college career as a tight end before switching to defense. A testament to his versatility and unselfish approach to the game. While his stats as a Tiger were modest, just 57 receiving yards. Ole Miss saw his potential as a defensive disruptor and short-yardage offensive weapon. His airborne plunges for a 1-yard TD became a staple of the Rebels’ arsenal. Barreling through defenses on fourth-and-short like a freight train, occasionally crossing into the end zone with the grace of a RB.

“He’s so awesome,” said Ole Miss’ prime dart thrower Jaxson Dart. “He’s the only defensive tackle who can move like that in the whole country. He could honestly play tight end for us, too. He’s a special talent.” Dart’s words ring true—not just because of Pegues’ athleticism, but because of the kind of teammate he’s been. Pegues stood out on a squad that relied on contributions from stars like Dart. The QB1 would also be leaving Oxford with his friend.

He entered his final game in the red and blue, and it was no doubt bittersweet. That mindset was on full display as the Rebels capped their season with a dominant performance. And, of course, they sent their seniors off in style. For DT, it was the perfect way to close this chapter of his career.

JJ Pegues ‘the Mayor of Oxford’ was locked in for his last Rebel

The short-yardage RB’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Thursday was the grand finale of his time as a Rebel. Reflecting on his journey, JJ Pegues couldn’t help but express gratitude for how the Oxford community has embraced him since his arrival.

“I definitely wouldn’t have thought that,” Pegues shared after Tuesday’s practice, a humble smile accompanying his words. “Everybody likes to call me the mayor and everything. That’s just a blessing. I just try to stay humble through the process.” It’s clear that Pegues has become more than just a player for the Ole Miss fans and beyond, affectionately dubbed “the mayor” for his larger-than-life presence on and off the field.

But for Pegues, there was still work to do, and he did. As a leader on the team, he was laser-focused on ensuring that the Rebels bring their A-game against Duke. “We always want to go out with a bang,” he said. “Our main focus is to come out here and also have fun, but at the end of the day, it’s a business trip to get the win.” As Lane Kiffin reminded everyone after the game, “We’re just getting started.” But for JJ Pegues, the ending is where the story truly shines.