NCAA denies eligibility appeal for Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss
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The fight for eligibility for the 2026 football season continues for Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.
The NCAA denied Chambliss’ sixth-year eligibility waiver appeal on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The denial upholds the NCAA’s initial denial of the eligibility waiver issued on Jan. 9.
Chambliss ― represented by attorneys Tom Mars and William Liston ― will take their lawsuit for the former Division II Ferris State star’s eligibility to state court in Mississippi.
The Rebels’ 2025 starter of multiple games was seeking a medical hardship waiver for his 2022 season, in which he was affected by sickness and respiratory problems, according to the Jackson Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Ole Miss responded to the NCAA Athletics Eligibility subcommittee’s decision by calling it “indefensible.” The school said it would stand behind Chambliss in his fight for eligibility.
“Trinidad’s representatives will continue to pursue all available legal remedies, and we will publicly stand behind Trinidad while holding the NCAA accountable for a decision that fails to align with its own rules, precedent and the documented medical record,” the statement said.
Statement from Ole Miss Athletics. 🇹🇹 pic.twitter.com/3ChGgW0YHb
— Ole Miss Athletics (@OleMissSports) February 5, 2026
According to Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, Chambliss has a deal with Ole Miss for the 2026 season worth in excess of $5 million. He stands to make more returning to school than he would as a potential mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ole Miss football is coming off a semifinal appearance in the 2025 College Football Playoff. If Chambliss returns, the Rebels would have strong odds to return to the CFP. If he does not, Ole Miss would have to figure out the quarterback position to get back into such a position.
The Rebels did add a former five-star and Auburn signal-caller Deuce Knight in the portal this offseason.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trinidad Chambliss eligibility appeal denied by the NCAA
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