The college careers of Denzel and Robert Nkemdiche are coming to a close, but they have each left their stamp on Ole Miss football.

Denzel is set to graduate from Ole Miss after this season, although he might have already played his last game for the Rebels as he continues to be under medical supervision. Hugh Freeze said his condition is not life-threatening. He has missed the Rebels’ last two games –wins over LSU and Mississippi State — as a result.

Robert is considered a lock to be an early pick in this year’s NFL Draft and will likely play his last game for Ole Miss in the Rebels’ bowl game.

The legend of Robert began before he played a down for Ole Miss.

Feb. 6, 2013 is a day that Ole Miss football won’t soon forget. That’s the day that Robert, a former No. 1 overall recruit and five-star prospect, chose to sign with the Rebels.

A two-way player in high school, Robert dominated at running back and defensive end. He was considered a can’t-miss player expected to have a major impact. After his first season at Ole Miss, Freeze was able to convince him to pick the Rebels, who haven’t won an SEC championship since 1963.

Once committed to the Rebels, Robert reached out to some of Ole Miss’ top remaining targets to get them to join him in Oxford. Robert’s commitment helped the Rebels sign fellow five-stars, left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.

Although Robert and the rest of the vaunted Ole Miss 2013 recruiting class haven’t delivered a national title or SEC championship, Robert’s on-the-field accolades speak for themselves.

He has made 34 starts in 35 career games, making 19 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He was named to the All-SEC First Team in 2014 and an All-America team after anchoring the defense for an Ole Miss team that reached its highest national ranking (No. 3) since 1964.

Robert has had some quiet games statistically throughout his career as opponents often double-teamed him. But he stepped up in the biggest moments. He was chosen national defensive player of the week after the Rebels’ victory this season at Alabama. He had 4 tackles and 1.5 sacks Saturday in the Rebels’ victory over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl. He also carried for three touchdowns this season.

Denzel was not as highly ranked recruit. He wasn’t even recruited by Freeze. Denzel was brought in by Freeze’s predecessor, Houston Nutt, who signed the unranked, undersized player with problems in the classroom. Freeze got Robert the next year.

In 40 career games with the Rebels, Denzel has 198 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions.

Robert announced his commitment to Clemson in June 2012, though Ole Miss coaches believed they had the inside track on him. Denzel assured his coaches that Robert would end up with the Rebels and he was right.

The Nkemdiche brothers may not have reached all their goals at Ole Miss. But the floodgates they opened by deciding to play together for the Rebels will keep that program thriving for years to come.