PITTSBORO, Miss. — For nearly five hours Thursday, a quiet Calhoun County courtroom became the latest battleground in one of college football’s most closely watched eligibility disputes.
When the hearing for Trinidad Chambliss vs. NCAA concluded shortly after 3 p.m., there was no immediate decision. Judge Robert Whitwell adjourned proceedings without ruling from the bench, though he indicated he hoped to issue an order soon — potentially before the end of the day.
At stake is whether Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss will be granted a preliminary injunction preventing the NCAA from enforcing its denial of his additional year of eligibility. If the injunction is approved, Chambliss would be permitted to compete in 2026 while the broader lawsuit continues to unfold.
A Day Focused on 2022
Chambliss’ case centers on his 2022 season at Ferris State, where he did not appear in a game. His legal team argues that lingering respiratory complications — including recurring infections and ultimately surgery to remove his tonsils in 2024 — significantly limited his ability to compete and warranted a medical hardship waiver.
The NCAA denied both his initial waiver request and a subsequent appeal, prompting the lawsuit now before Whitwell.
Chambliss testified during the hearing, describing the period from 2022 through 2023 as physically draining and emotionally taxing. He detailed repeated health setbacks and said he believed he would be medically redshirted during the 2022 season. He appeared in court wearing a gray sport coat accented with an Ole Miss lapel pin.
The Legal Teams
Chambliss is represented by Arkansas-based attorney Tom Mars and Mississippi trial lawyer William Liston. The NCAA’s defense was led by J. Douglas Minor, joined by Taylor Askew.
Liston framed the issue as one of fairness, contending that the NCAA failed to properly evaluate documented medical evidence. They argued that denying an injunction would cause irreparable harm, particularly if the legal process stretches into the 2026 season.
The NCAA countered that its eligibility committee acted within its authority and that the evidence presented does not establish incapacitation during the 2022 campaign. Minor emphasized that no representative from Ferris State testified that Chambliss was medically unable to participate that season.
Witnesses Take the Stand
The hearing began at 9:30 a.m. with an invocation before testimony commenced.
Dr. Bradford Dye, an Oxford ear, nose and throat specialist, testified at length regarding Chambliss’ medical history. Dye stated that Chambliss did not fully recover until early 2024 following persistent throat issues.
Ole Miss assistant coach Joe Judge also took the stand, speaking to Chambliss’ development and future potential. Judge described another collegiate season as beneficial for Chambliss’ NFL trajectory and suggested the quarterback could contend for major postseason honors in 2026.
Chambliss’ mother, Cheryl, also testified. The NCAA chose not to cross-examine her.
Why the Injunction Matters
The immediate focus is the preliminary injunction. Without it, Chambliss’ eligibility status remains unchanged, potentially forcing him to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft instead of returning to Oxford.
With it, he would be cleared to practice and play while the lawsuit proceeds — a process that could extend months, if not longer.
Both sides retain the option to appeal Whitwell’s eventual decision to the Mississippi Supreme Court.
The Bigger Picture
Chambliss transferred to Ole Miss in 2025 and emerged as one of the nation’s most productive quarterbacks, leading the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals. He threw for 3,937 yards with 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions, adding 527 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground. He finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Financial considerations also loom large. Reports indicate Chambliss’ NIL agreement at Ole Miss exceeds $5 million, a figure that could surpass the initial earnings of many mid-round NFL draft selections.
For now, the courtroom phase pauses while the judge weighs the arguments presented. A ruling could arrive in hours or days.
Until then, Trinidad Chambliss’ 2026 status remains suspended between the NCAA’s bylaws and a chancery court decision.
(Feature image credit: Karis Chambliss, The Rebel Walk)
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Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception. Email Evie at: Evie@TheRebelWalk.com
