Chambliss played four seasons at Division II power Ferris State before transferring to Oxford. Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has agreed to a new deal to remain with the the Rebels for one more season if the NCAA approves his request for an additional year of college eligibility, a person briefed on the decision told The Athletic on Monday.
Chambliss and the sixth-seeded Rebels are preparing to the play No. 10 seed Miami in College Football Playoff semifinals at the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday night.
The former Division II quarterback from Ferris State took over as Ole Miss’ starter three games into the year and has led the Rebels (13-1) to one of the greatest seasons in program history. There was some speculation that he might follow former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin to LSU as a transfer after this season, but he agreed to a name, image and likeness deal that should have him back in Oxford in 2026 — if he is eligible.
Chambliss, who enrolled at Ferris State in 2021 but did not play in either of his first two seasons with the Division II powerhouse, has asked the NCAA to grant him an additional year of eligibility, claiming he meets the requirements for a medical redshirt for one of the seasons he sat out. Chambliss played 25 games in four years at Ferris State, taking over as the starter in 2023 and leading the school to a national title in 2024. He began this season as the backup to Austin Simmons, who injured his left ankle in Ole Miss’ second game. Simmons plans to transfer after the Rebels’ Playoff run, with Missouri as the front-runner to land him.
For those who may be interested, this excerpt from a second letter that was sent to the NCAA earlier today explains the gist of why the waiver request filed on behalf of Trinidad Chambliss plainly satisfies the requirements of the applicable, legally enforceable @NCAA Bylaw. https://t.co/hXfrwg8QtK pic.twitter.com/F4X1bn18tG
— Tom Mars (@TomMarsLaw) January 5, 2026
Ole Miss is hoping to receive a ruling on the waiver request it has submitted for Chambliss this week.
Chambliss has thrown for 3,660 yards, 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions, with another 521 yards rushing and eight touchdowns.
Kiffin left for LSU after the regular season, and the Rebels responded with victories against Tulane in the CFP first round and against SEC champion Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Chambliss was brilliant against the Bulldogs, passing for 362 yards in a dramatic 39-34 victory.
