A state court judge has approved an extra year of eligibility for Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, issuing an injunction that allows him to play in 2026. Judge Robert Whitwell, who holds a law degree from Ole Miss and a bachelor’s from Delta State, determined after a hearing exceeding one hour on Thursday that Chambliss qualifies for a medical redshirt in his sixth season.
Ruling Highlights
Whitwell found that Chambliss provided sufficient medical documentation, which the NCAA overlooked in denying his waiver. The judge ruled that the NCAA failed to act in good faith and that denying eligibility would cause irreparable harm to Chambliss.
Case Background
The decision came from Lafayette County Chancery Court following strategic legal moves by Chambliss’ attorneys, who sought the injunction last month. This followed NCAA denials of his sixth-year request on January 9, an appeal on February 5, and a reconsideration with new evidence on February 9.
At the core of the dispute, Chambliss missed his entire second season at Ferris State due to severe respiratory problems. He played no snaps and did not dress for games, dropping to 176 pounds amid constant illness and flare-ups, as he and his mother, Cheryl, described.
Key Testimonies
Chambliss testified that Ferris State coach Tony Annese informed him of a medical redshirt before the 2022 season. He also shared with his doctor about ongoing sickness and flare-ups.
Ole Miss assistant coach Joe Judge emphasized the impact on Chambliss’ NFL draft prospects, noting that few quarterbacks with just one starting year in major college football secure lucrative second contracts. Judge highlighted the value of additional experience for professional success.
The NCAA countered that medical records showed Chambliss opted against surgery in 2022 to participate in the season, managing symptoms with medication instead. They also argued that Division II rules, based on a 10-semester calendar, would have allowed a different eligibility path, such as part-time enrollment to preserve a sixth year.
Chambliss’ Breakout 2025 Performance
Chambliss emerged as a college football star in 2025, seizing the starting role at Ole Miss after an early-season injury to Austin Simmons. He placed eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Transferring from Division II Ferris State as an expected backup, Chambliss led the SEC in passing with 3,337 yards, 22 touchdown passes, and eight rushing scores. He guided Ole Miss to its first College Football Playoff berth, securing two victories, including a dramatic Sugar Bowl comeback against Georgia. There, he passed for 362 yards and rushed for 14, fueling 20 fourth-quarter points.
