Pete Golding, Ole Miss Receive Major Prediction Over QB Trinidad Chambliss
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The Ole Miss Rebels completed one of the best seasons in program history. The Rebels finished the year with a record of 13-2 and qualified for the College Football Playoff for the first time.
However, they fell in the semifinals with a score of 31-27, thanks to a last-second touchdown run by Carson Beck of the Miami Hurricanes. A significant factor in the team’s success was quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who had an impressive season, throwing for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. In addition, he rushed for 527 yards and scored eight touchdowns.
The question now is whether Chambliss will return to Oxford next season. He had a deal to come back to Ole Miss, but it was contingent on the NCAA granting him an extra year of eligibility. Chambliss played four seasons at Ferris State and argued that he should receive a retroactive redshirt for the 2022 season, as he only appeared in two games that year. The redshirt rules for Division I differ from those in his previous classification.
The NCAA denied the waiver, meaning Ole Miss must now address its quarterback situation for the upcoming season since Simmons has transferred to the Missouri Tigers. Fortunately, the Rebels have made significant progress in acquiring former five-star quarterback Deuce Knight from the Auburn Tigers.
Ole Miss is appealing a ruling and remains optimistic about having Chambliss back next season. CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford has made several predictions regarding some of the top quarterbacks in the sport. He predicts that Chambliss will receive another year of college eligibility and return to Oxford.
The NCAA’s initial denial has already created ripple effects across Ole Miss’ offseason strategy, forcing the Rebels to pursue contingency plans at quarterback while the appeal process plays out. Internally, the program remains confident in its case, and optimism persists that Chambliss’ unique Division II circumstances will ultimately work in its favor.
If the appeal is granted, Ole Miss, led by head coach Pete Golding, would retain one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country, instantly stabilizing the offense and reshaping expectations heading into next season. Chambliss’ return would also clarify the developmental timeline for younger quarterbacks, allowing the Rebels to avoid a full reset at the position.
A final ruling is expected later this offseason, a decision that will directly impact Ole Miss’ roster construction and portal activity moving forward. Until then, the Rebels remain in wait-and-see mode, knowing the outcome could define their championship ceiling in 2026.
Related: Ole Miss Receives Big Prediction After Trinidad Chambliss News
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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