Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted an extra year of eligibility by a state court judge, who issued an injunction that paves the way for Chambliss to be eligible in 2026.
In a ruling that lasted well over an hour Thursday, Judge Robert Whitwell ruled that Chambliss clearly met the criteria to receive a medical redshirt for a sixth season.
Whitwell detailed that the NCAA ignored medical evidence in denying Chambliss’ waiver and that the quarterback would suffer irreparable harm if denied this year. The judge concluded that Chambliss submitted adequate medical reference and that the NCAA didn’t act in good faith in denying the waiver.
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The case was heard in a state court, which was a strategic decision by Chambliss’ lawyers when they filed for the injunction last month.
The hearing for Chambliss followed his request for a sixth year of eligibility, which was denied by the NCAA on Jan. 9 and again on appeal Feb. 5. Ole Miss filed a request for reconsideration from the NCAA, claiming new evidence. That request was filed Monday and had also been denied.
“This decision in a state court illustrates the impossible situation created by differing court decisions that serve to undermine rules agreed to by the same NCAA members who later challenge them in court,” the NCAA said in a statement. “We will continue to defend the NCAA’s eligibility rules against repeated attempts to rob future generations of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create.
“The NCAA and its member schools are making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes, but the patchwork of state laws and inconsistent, conflicting court decisions make partnering with Congress essential to provide stability for current and future college athletes.”
The crux of Chambliss’ case is that he was unable to play his second year at Ferris State because of respiratory issues. He did not play a snap or dress for games that season. He and his mother, Cheryl, detailed how significant the issues were during the 2022 season, including Chambliss weighing just 176 pounds.
Chambliss testified that Ferris State coach Tony Annese told him he would get a medical redshirt before the start of the 2022 season. Chambliss testified that he told his doctor that he was constantly sick and dealt with constant flare-ups.
Ole Miss assistant coach Joe Judge testified how much it would help Chambliss’ NFL draft prospects to return to Ole Miss in 2026, essentially attempting to show irreparable harm. Judge pointed out that just three or four college quarterbacks with one year as a starter in major college football got lucrative second contracts, illustrating the importance of experience and development in thriving at the next level.
The NCAA had argued that Chambliss’ medical records indicate that he chose to forgo surgery in 2022 so “he could participate in the football season.” Instead, he opted to manage his condition via medication.
NCAA lawyers also tried to show that Chambliss’ eligibility case at Ferris State for an extra year would have been different in Division II, as he would have essentially been able to enroll as a part-time student to play his sixth year. (Division II works on a 10-semester calendar, so he would have paused his eligibility if he had enrolled part time.)
“We believe this outcome affirms what we have maintained throughout this process that Trinidad deserves the opportunity to compete and complete his collegiate career on the field,” Ole Miss said in a statement.
Chambliss emerged as one of the breakout stars of college football in 2025, capturing the starting job at Ole Miss after filling in for the injured Austin Simmons early in the season. Chambliss finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
He had transferred from Ferris State with the expectation that he would be a backup. He ended up as one of the SEC’s most dominant players, finishing the season as the SEC leader in passing yards with 3,937 yards. He threw for 22 touchdowns, rushed for eight more and led Ole Miss to the school’s first College Football Playoff appearance.
Chambliss led Ole Miss to two victories in the CFP, including a virtuoso performance in a win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Chambliss threw for 362 yards, rushed for 14 yards and led Ole Miss to 20 fourth-quarter points in a comeback win.
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