Reports: Trinidad Chambliss to start at QB for Ole Miss vs. No. 4 LSU

OXFORD, Miss. — The spotlight in Oxford isn’t dimming anytime soon. On3’s Chris Low and Pete Nakso reported Wednesday morning that all signs point to quarterback Trinidad Chambliss making his third consecutive start for the Rebels this Saturday when No. 4 LSU comes to town, as Austin Simmons continues to battle back from his nagging ankle injury.

Chambliss has made the most of his opportunity, guiding Ole Miss to a perfect 2-0 mark as a starter while accounting for five total touchdowns. The former Ferris State standout — and Division II national champion — has quickly gone from transfer newcomer to household name in Oxford. Against Tulane last weekend, he put together a strong performance: 17-of-27 passing for 307 yards and two touchdowns through the air, plus 112 yards and two scores on the ground.

Meanwhile, Simmons, who opened the year as QB1, has been limited since rolling the ankle at Kentucky. He gave it a shot with a few snaps against Arkansas but wasn’t able to stay on the field. While reports suggest he’s feeling better this week, he’s still not 100%.

Head coach Lane Kiffin has not closed the door on Simmons returning when fully healthy, but he made it clear the staff will be cautious. He answered questions on it in Monday’s press conference.

“We’ll have to evaluate (Simmons’) health and then make a decision. Today (Monday) was just a walkthrough, so not enough to evaluate. But at 100% he’s our starting quarterback. But we don’t know what percentage he’ll be.”

Lane Kiffin on his QBs

Chambliss’ rise has even begun sparking some Heisman Trophy buzz. His numbers through two starts are impressive: 719 passing yards, four touchdowns, 195 rushing yards and two rushing scores. He has yet to commit a turnover, is completing nearly 68% of his throws, and currently sits No. 1 in the SEC in yards per attempt (11.6) and No. 2 in passer rating. He’s also sitting in the top 10 in the country, at No. 7, in ESPN’s Total QBR rankings, a very solid metric that measures quarterback performance.

The timing of Ole Miss’ bye week after LSU could be key. It gives Simmons more recovery time before the Rebels dive into the teeth of their schedule with Washington State, followed by back-to-back SEC road tests at Georgia and Oklahoma.

For now, though, it looks like it’s Chambliss’ show again on Saturday in Vaught-Hemingway as Ole Miss takes on the Tigers in a massive SEC showdown. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.