Ole Miss’ top two leaders in receptions decided on Thursday to opt out for the rest of the season.

While Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin would’ve wanted wide receivers Elijah Moore and tight end Kenny Yeboah to play in the regular season finale vs. LSU, he completely understands and respects their decisions to focus on preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft.

“Obviously, we’d like them to play,” Kiffin said via 247Sports. “Both were battling injuries, so it wasn’t just one of these, ‘We’re going to opt out just to opt out.’ There really was an injury thing, and they want to get ready for the draft. Both played extremely well and made themselves a lot of money this year. We really appreciate them for getting something really special started here.”

Moore, a viable candidate for the Biletnikoff Award, is projected as a first pick. Moore has amassed 86 receptions, 1,193 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Yeboah has totaled 27 receptions, 524 yards, and six touchdowns. Yeboah will participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

The playful Kiffin joked that these opt outs were all according to plan.

“We just thought we’d go into Baton Rouge, Tiger Stadium (and) have our two best players not play. Let’s go. Sure,” Kiffin said via 247Sports. “Defending national champs, Tiger Stadium and without two of your most productive players? Let’s go. It’ll be that much more special.”

Ole Miss (4-4) will look to conclude Kiffin’s first regular season at the helm with a .500 record. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. at LSU and will be televised on the SEC Network.