Trinidad Chambliss is back with Ole Miss after a Mississippi judge granted a preliminary injunction that effectively cleared the quarterback to play, Chambliss and court records show.
“I’m here now, so that’s all that matters,” Chambliss said, adding that he has mentally locked in on preparing for the fall. “Now I can focus all my attention to spring ball and making sure that our team is ready for the season.”
The eligibility dispute centered on Chambliss’ four years at Ferris State, including a redshirt in 2021 and a season missed in 2022 for medical reasons, according to court filings. Judge Robert Whitwell issued the preliminary injunction in Pittsboro on Feb. 12, and the NCAA later sought review from the Mississippi Supreme Court, filings show.
Chambliss rose to national prominence after stepping in for an injured Austin Simmons last season. Game statistics show he completed 72% of his passes for 353 yards and a touchdown in his first start, and added 62 rushing yards with two touchdowns in a 41-35 win over Arkansas. He started 13 games as the Rebels went 11-2 with a College Football Playoff appearance, a win over Tulane and a Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia before a Fiesta Bowl loss to Miami, according to Ole Miss and game reports.
New Ole Miss coach Pete Golding praised Chambliss’ poise during the legal uncertainty. “I think he’s done an unbelievable job focusing on what he can control,” Golding said. Chambliss had announced his intention to return to Ole Miss and reportedly weighed lucrative name, image and likeness offers; reports have placed one potential deal near $6 million.
Chambliss said he is embracing a larger leadership role and working to be more vocal. He totaled nearly 4,500 all-purpose yards and 30 total touchdowns last season, according to Ole Miss statistics, and said he is focused on improving accuracy and pre-snap reads under offensive coordinator John David Baker. Ole Miss opens the 2026 season against Louisville at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Sept. 6, the school announced.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
