John Saunders Jr. is coming back to Ole Miss for the 2024 season.

Saunders could have turned pro after his standout 2023 campaign in Oxford, but will instead be back with the Rebels next year as they make a run at competing for a College Football Playoff berth.

Here’s the announcement, which came via the Grove Collective:

Last season in his first year at Ole Miss, Saunders recorded 65 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions while playing a pivotal role in the Rebels’ secondary.

Saunders is one of numerous top Ole Miss players who is set to return in 2024. The Rebels have also been very aggressive in adding talent via the portal so far this offseason. According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Ole Miss currently has the No. 1 transfer class in the country.

Ole Miss will be making a run at a CFP berth in the newly-expanded playoff next season. The Rebels are coming off of a double-digit win season, but have never reached the College Football Playoff.

The 2024 season will be Saunders’ final season of eligibility.