Ole Miss is trying to secure its first 11-win season in program history. Lane Kiffin’s squad will have to get the victory without a key player on defense.

Edge defender Cedric Johnson has opted out of the Rebels’ Peach Bowl game against Penn State according to multiple reports.

Johnson is Ole Miss’ active career sack leader with 19. He played in 46 games over his 4 seasons with the Rebels.

In 2023, Johnson logged a career-high 40 total tackles in 12 games. He had 6.5 tackles for loss, including 5.5 sacks. Johnson also had 3 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble.

In each season of his career, Johnson recorded at least 3 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. The 2021 season was Johnson’s best as far as tackles behind the line, as he posted 8 TFLs with 6.5 sacks in 13 contests.

No. 10 Penn State and No. 11 Ole Miss each enter the Peach Bowl with records of 10-2 on the season. The game is set for Dec. 30 on ESPN, with a noon ET kickoff from Atlanta.