Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze told reporters he believes juniors Tony Conner and Evan Engram will return to play for the Rebels next season.

“Tony and I have talked,” Freeze told reporters Wednesday, according to Ben Garrett of the Ole Miss Spirit. “I don’t think he’s even thinking in those terms. He’s thinking let me get myself well and come have a great senior year, and I think Evan’s kind of thinking the same thing, too. But again, we’ll gather all the facts.

“Unless something changes, which it could, I believe that (Conner) is thinking right now the best decision would be to come back and get himself well.”

Conner, a safety, was projected as a possible first-round draft pick before the season. He tore his meniscus against Alabama on Sept. 19 and missed six games before returning against Arkansas last Saturday. He plans to have more extensive knee surgery in the offseason.

Last season, Engram went over 100 yards in receiving three times. He hasn’t had more than 41 yards in a game this season.

The Rebels are expected to lose three junior stars to the NFL Draft:  OL Laremy Tunsil, DT Robert Nkemdiche and WR Laquon Treadwell.