What's next for Ole Miss after Trinidad Chambliss win Tampering allegations, staff changes top list

OXFORD — The hype can officially start to build for Ole Miss football, but there are still questions lingering for the Rebels after Trinidad Chambliss won eligibility for the 2026 season.

Chambliss, Ole Miss‘ star quarterback, is now primed to return after Judge Robert Whitwell granted him an injunction against the NCAA Feb. 12 following a hearing at the Calhoun County Courthouse.

The decision could be appealed, but the lengthy timeline of a potential appeal in Mississippi Super Court makes it unlikely to ultimately make a difference.

Here’s what coach Pete Golding and the Rebels have next.

Will Dabo Swinney tampering allegations impact Ole Miss, Pete Golding?

Ole Miss may still be impacted by the NCAA in the offseason.

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney got a lot of attention when he accused Golding of tampering in a press conference on Jan. 23. It stemmed from the recruitment of Cal linebacker Luke Ferrelli, who transferred to Clemson out of the portal before committing to Ole Miss. Swinney went public with allegations that Golding texted Ferrelli while he was in class at Clemson.

An investigation is expected. Consequences could follow that could impact recruiting and even in-game coaching in 2026. Precedent has been established for the NCAA to levy a suspension.

Pete Golding, Ole Miss football have new offensive, defensive coordinators

Ole Miss has new coordinators on both sides of the ball.

Golding hired Patrick Toney to fill his place at defensive coordinator. Toney is the former safeties coach for the Arizona Cardinals.

Offensive coordinator John David Baker is replacing Charlie Weis Jr., who followed Lane Kiffin to LSU. It will be Baker’s third season as an offensive coordinator after holding the position at ECU in 2024 and 2025.

If Golding operates how Kiffin did, spring practice will begin sometime in the middle of March. There will be a feeling of newness inside the building but a sense of familiarity will be there, too.

Baker spent three seasons coaching at Ole Miss. He was the tight ends coach (2021-23) and co-offensive coordinator (2022-23).

Toney coached for 11 seasons in college before coaching the Cardinals beginning in 2023. He goes way back with Golding. The duo coached together on the defensive side at Southeastern Louisiana from 2012-13 when Golding was the defensive coordinator and Toney was a defensive assistant. They also coached together at UTSA in 2016-17.

One Ole Miss position changed more than any other for 2026

Ole Miss is only likely to retain one of its top six leaders in receiving yards.

Leading receiver Trey Wallace earned an NFL combine invite and is expected to be drafted. De’Zhaun Stribling, No. 2 with 811 receiving yards, has exhausted his eligibility and is also expected to go to the NFL. Cayden Lee transferred to Missouri and Winston Watkins transferred to LSU. Tight end Dae’Quan Wright declared for the NFL draft.

It leaves wide receiver Deuce Alexander, No. 3 with 685 receiving yards in 2025, and a host of newcomers. Transfer wide receivers Darrell Gill (Syracuse), Horatio Fields (Auburn) and Johntay Cook (Syracuse) are contenders to step up. Also look for former five-star recruit Caleb Cunningham to find an increased role entering his redshirt freshman season.

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Top Ole Miss football questions for 2026 after Trinidad Chambliss win