The NCAA denied Trinidad Chambliss’ request to reconsider his eligibility waiver for a medical redshirt due to insufficient evidence. But that didn’t stop the Ole Miss quarterback from continuing his pursuit of a sixth year of eligibility.
On Thursday, his diligence paid off, as his final chance to plead his case resulted in a positive result, allowing him to move forward as the Rebels’ QB in 2026.
The basis of Chambliss’ request was that a medical condition prevented him from participating in the 2022 season, which he felt the NCAA ignored despite his having documentation proving his case.
“The NCAA Athletics Eligibility Subcommittee’s decision to deny Trinidad’s appeal is indefensible in light of the undisputed facts,” Ole Miss said in a statement. “The NCAA staff and subcommittee asserted that Trinidad was not denied the opportunity to compete during the 2022 season, despite the reality that he did not dress for a single game while suffering from severe, incapacitating medical conditions.”
Nevertheless, Chambliss was granted a sixth year of eligibility on Thursday, allowing him to enter into an NIL agreement previously reached between him and the team this offseason. The compensation package is expected to exceed $5 million, per Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger.
“NEWS: Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss has been granted a sixth season of eligibility by a state court judge in Mississippi,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel wrote on X. “Chambliss received an injunction today, which paves the way for him to play in 2026 after the NCAA ruled he was eligibility. (The NCAA can appeal.)”
What the Chambliss Decision Means for Ole Miss
Chambliss was a star for the Rebels this past season, guiding them to the national championship game. His 3,937 yards passing were third in the nation, while he completed 66.1% of his passes and recorded 22 touchdowns passing against just three interceptions.
The 23-year-old began his collegiate career at Div. II Ferris State from 2020 to 2024, helping lead the Bulldogs to a national championship. He transferred to Ole Miss for the 2025 season.
The Rebels are expected to be a national championship contender with Chambliss back in the fold.
Ole Miss also signed star running back Kewan Lacy to a lucrative NIL deal as well, bringing back the two best offensive players from the team’s 2025 the College Football Playoff roster.
Additionally, the Rebels added some more offensive firepower through the transfer portal in the form of four-star RB Makhi Frazier, four-star tight end Michael Smith, former five-star wide receiver Johnny Cook, and four-star wide receiver Darren Gill.
With head coach Pete Golding succeeding Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss is poised to make anther deep CFP run in 2026.