Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been granted an additional year of eligibility by a state court judge, who issued an injunction allowing Chambliss to compete in 2026.
In a lengthy ruling on Thursday, Judge Robert Whitwell determined that Chambliss adequately fulfilled the requirements to receive a medical redshirt for a sixth season.
Whitwell noted that the NCAA overlooked relevant medical evidence in denying Chambliss’ waiver and concluded that the quarterback would face irreparable harm if denied eligibility this year. The judge found that Chambliss presented sufficient medical documentation and criticized the NCAA for not acting in good faith in their denial of the waiver.
The case was argued in the Lafayette County Chancery Court, a state court, which was a strategic choice by Chambliss’ attorneys who sought the injunction last month.
This hearing followed Chambliss’ NCAA request for a sixth year of eligibility, which was turned down on January 9, and his subsequent appeal was denied on February 5. Ole Miss has submitted a reconsideration request to the NCAA, citing new evidence. yet, that request was also denied on Monday.
“This decision in a state court highlights the challenging situation created by conflicting court rulings that undermine the rules established by NCAA members, who later contest these very rules in court,” the NCAA stated. “We are committed to defending the NCAA’s eligibility regulations against continuous attempts that could deprive future athletes of the chance to compete in college and benefit from the transformative opportunities provided by collegiate sports.”
“While the NCAA and its member institutions are implementing changes to provide greater benefits to student-athletes, the patchwork of state laws and inconsistent court rulings make collaboration with Congress crucial for stable support for both current and future college athletes.”
The core of Chambliss’ case centers around his inability to compete during his second year at Ferris State due to respiratory issues. He did not play a single snap that season and did not even dress for games. He and his mother, Cheryl, described the severity of his health problems during the 2022 season, noting that Chambliss weighed just 176 pounds.
Chambliss testified that Ferris State coach Tony Annese had informed him he would be granted a medical redshirt before the 2022 season began. He also relayed to his doctor that he was frequently ill and experiencing constant flare-ups.
Ole Miss assistant coach Joe Judge testified about how returning to Ole Miss in 2026 would bolster Chambliss’ NFL draft prospects, emphasizing the irreparable harm he would endure without another year. Judge highlighted that only three or four college quarterbacks with one year as starters in major college football typically receive lucrative second contracts, underscoring the significance of experience and development at the next level.
The NCAA argued that Chambliss’ medical records indicated he chose not to undergo surgery in 2022 so he could participate in the football season, opting instead to manage his condition with medication.
NCAA attorneys also pointed out that Chambliss’ eligibility situation at Ferris State for an additional year would have differed in Division II, where he could have enrolled as a part-time student to play his sixth year. (Division II follows a 10-semester calendar, allowing him to pause his eligibility if he registered part-time.)
“We believe this outcome confirms our stance throughout this process that Trinidad deserves the chance to compete and finish his collegiate career on the field,” Ole Miss stated in a response.
Chambliss emerged as a standout in college football during 2025, taking over as the starter at Ole Miss after stepping in for the injured Austin Simmons early in the season. He finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Initially transferring from Division II Ferris State with the expectation of being a backup, he became one of the SEC’s most formidable players, ending the season as the SEC leader in passing yards with 3,337. He threw for 22 touchdowns, added eight rushing touchdowns, and led Ole Miss to its first College Football Playoff appearance.
Chambliss guided Ole Miss to two victories in the CFP, including a remarkable performance in a win against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. He threw for 362 yards, rushed for 14 yards, and spearheaded Ole Miss with 20 fourth-quarter points in a comeback victory.
