The Mississippi Supreme Court has denied the NCAA’s appeal in a case involving Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, allowing him to compete during the 2026-27 college football season. The decision concludes a months-long legal dispute over Chambliss’s eligibility.
Ole Miss initially requested a waiver for Chambliss last November, citing a medical redshirt due to chronic tonsillitis and respiratory issues that prevented him from playing at Ferris State in 2022. The NCAA rejected the request, stating insufficient evidence, even after additional documentation and testimony from Ferris State officials.
Chambliss’s legal team, led by attorney William Liston and Tom Mars, challenged the NCAA’s decision in Calhoun County Circuit Court. Judge Robert Whitwell ruled in favor of Chambliss, saying the NCAA failed to give fair consideration to the waiver request. He issued a preliminary injunction blocking the NCAA from enforcing its ruling.
The NCAA appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court, which unanimously denied the petition, with six of seven justices having ties to Ole Miss. The court’s decision was announced Monday, effectively reinstating Chambliss’s eligibility for the upcoming season.
Chambliss’s legal team has also filed a separate lawsuit in Lafayette County, alleging the NCAA’s conduct could have cost him millions in name, image, and likeness opportunities. The suit claims Chambliss was negotiating with EA Sports to appear on the cover of College Football 27 and seeks punitive damages if misconduct is proven.
Chambliss emerged as a star during his first season at Ole Miss, leading the Rebels to an 11-2 record and their first College Football Playoff appearance. Ole Miss is set to open its 2026-27 campaign against Louisville on Sept. 6 in Nashville, under new head coach Pete Golding.
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
