Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss Granted Extra Year of Eligibility

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss can return to Ole Miss for another season — at least for now. Chambliss won the latest court ruling in his lawsuit against the NCAA to grant him an additional year of eligibility so he can play for Ole Miss in 2026. The ruling was made by a state court judge, and the NCAA can appeal the ruling. So, Chambliss' quest to get a sixth year of eligibility isn't over yet. In Thursday's ruling, Judge Robert Whitwell ruled that "the NCAA ignored its own rules" during a preliminary injunction against college athletics' governing body. Whitwell took about 90 minutes to explain his decision, which he agreed with Chambliss' argument that the player's medical history was not properly considered by the NCAA. The 23-year-old Chambliss has been in college for five years, but was healthy enough to play just three years. Prior to transferring to Ole Miss in 2025, Chambliss played at Ferris State, where he redshirted his first season in 2021 and didn't play in 2022 due to medical reasons. Chambliss' waiver to get a sixth year of eligibility was initially denied by the NCAA on Jan. 9. Chambliss appealed, but the organization's Athletics Eligibility Subcommittee upheld the denial on Feb. 4. Chambliss emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in college football this past season following his transfer to Ole Miss. He completed 66.1% of his passes for 3,937 yards with 22 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also had eight rushing touchdowns. Those numbers helped Ole Miss reach the College Football Playoff for the first time, where it made the semifinal before losing to Miami (Fla.). If the NCAA successfully appeals Thursday's ruling, Chambliss is expected to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Associated Press contributed to this report.