BREAKING: Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss Petitions Mississippi Court in Bid to Play in 2026

OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has taken his eligibility fight to the courtroom.

On Friday, Chambliss filed a petition in Lafayette County Chancery Court seeking an injunction that could clear the way for him to play during the 2026 college football season. The filing challenges the NCAA’s recent decision to deny his request for an additional year of eligibility and asks the court to temporarily block enforcement of that ruling while the case proceeds.

The NCAA formally denied Chambliss’ waiver request on Jan. 9, a decision that would effectively end his college career unless overturned. In response, Chambliss retained prominent attorney Tom Mars to handle the matter with the NCAA. Following the denial, Mississippi trial attorney William Liston III — a co-founder of the Grove Collective, Ole Miss’ NIL organization — also joined Chambliss’ legal team.

What this means

Unlike many recent eligibility disputes, Chambliss’ case was filed in state court rather than federal court. That distinction is notable. While the NCAA has struggled in federal cases involving athlete compensation, it has generally had more success defending eligibility rules at that level. By filing in Mississippi state court, Chambliss’ legal team appears to be pursuing a more favorable venue as it seeks relief.

Chase Parham of Rebels247 writes this today: “The judge overseeing the Trinidad Chambliss vs. NCAA case is Robert Whitwell. He’s a former partner of Farese, Farese & Farese and has degrees from Delta State and Ole Miss Law. He’s also been a US Attorney. Whitwell was the QB and captain at Northwest Community College in 1965.”

The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction preventing the NCAA from prohibiting Chambliss to play another season. Attorneys are alleging that the NCAA is guilty of a bad-faith breach of the contract between NCAA and Ole Miss of which Chambliss is a third party beneficiary. https://t.co/QEa6AfxqTR

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 16, 2026

The immediate goal is a preliminary injunction. If granted, such an order would prevent the NCAA from enforcing its eligibility ruling while the case is litigated — a move that would likely allow Chambliss to suit up in 2026. Without that relief, Chambliss’ most realistic option would be to enter the NFL Draft.

Chambliss’ eligibility case stems from a unique college path. He spent four seasons at Division II Ferris State in Michigan, redshirting in 2021 before remaining on the active roster from 2022 through 2024. His final season there ended with a Division II national championship, cementing his status as one of the program’s most accomplished quarterbacks.

In 2025, Chambliss transferred to Ole Miss with the expectation of serving as the backup to Austin Simmons. That plan changed early in the season when Simmons suffered an injury, forcing Chambliss into the starting role.

He responded with one of the most productive seasons in school history, guiding Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Chambliss finished the year with 3,937 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, added 527 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground, and helped carry the Rebels to a Fiesta Bowl appearance against Miami.

Now, the question of whether that run marked the end of his college career — or merely the beginning of another chapter — rests not with the NCAA, but with a Mississippi judge.