Trinidad Chambliss now has a clear path to return to the field for Ole Miss in 2026. The Mississippi Supreme Court denied an appeal by the NCAA following a preliminary injunction ruling in favor of Chambliss last month, per multiple reports.
Judge Robert Whitwell granted the temporary injunction at the Lafayette County Chancery Court on Feb. 16. His ruling sided with the Ole Miss quarterback who argued that he should be awarded a medical redshirt following his time at Ferris State.
The breakout star quarterback cited a respiratory issue as the reason he wasn’t able to compete during the 2022 season. The NCAA denied a waiver that would grant Chambliss with a sixth season of eligibility.
It was at that point he moved to file a lawsuit hoping to gain a season of eligibility to continue his career with the Rebels.
Chambliss did not play during the 2022 season at Division II Ferris State. He did shine for the Bulldogs in the 2024 season, however. He passed for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns and ran for 25 more scores plus 1,019 yards on the ground.
It was good enough to get him on the radar for Power Four programs leading to a transfer to Ole Miss. Chambliss did not open the 2025 season as the starter for the Rebels. An injury to Austin Simmons early in the season pushed Chambliss into the starting role.
He ultimately made 15 appearances and made 13 starts for the Rebels last season. Chambliss finished with 3,937 yard passing plus 22 touchdowns and rushed for 8 more scores. It led to being named the SEC Newcomer of the Year and Manning Award finalist.
What The Ruling Means For Trinidad Chambliss And Ole Miss In 2026
FanDuel currently has Chambliss third behind Texas QB Arch Manning (+800) and Notre Dame’s CJ Carr (+800) with +1000 odds to win the Heisman Trophy.
The Rebels added Auburn transfer Deuce Knight earlier in the offseason in preparation of potentially losing Chambliss. Now, Ole Miss is set up nicely at the position.
Ole Miss was of course at the center of drama late in the season as it worked towards the College Football Playoff. Former head coach Lane Kiffin left to LSU in the middle of the team’s run putting all of college football into a hectic whirlwind.
The Rebels eventually reached the CFP semifinal round where they fell to Miami, 31-27. Chambliss passed for 921 yards and 4 touchdowns in three CFP matchups with wins over Tulane and No. 3-seeded Georgia.
Ole Miss has retooled its staff behind new head coach Pete Golding, who guided the team through its CFP run. John David Baker was brought in by Golding in December to replace Charlie Weis Jr., who departed for LSU.
Baker will now get his opportunity to work with Chambliss after two seasons at East Carolina.
It is not expected that a final ruling in the case will come before the end of the football season. So, Chambliss should get his chance to compete all season.
The Associated Press reported Friday that the NCAA could request another hearing in the case. Chambliss’ original request for a waiver was denied by the NCAA in early January and upheld on Feb. 4.
