Where things stand on Ole Miss tampering claims, Trinidad Chambliss lawsuit, Grove damage

Ole Miss football headlines have not slowed since the Rebels’ deepest run in College Football Playoff history ended on Jan. 8 in the Fiesta Bowl.

Star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is suing the NCAA in an attempt to secure a final year of eligibility for 2026.

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney went scorched earth on Ole Miss by publicizing tampering allegations on Jan. 23 over transfer linebacker Luke Ferrelli.

Then an ice storm on Jan. 24 ground Ole Miss events to a halt and caused significant damage across the campus, closing the school until Feb. 8.

The Clarion Ledger caught up with Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter on Feb. 4.

Carter declined to comment about the Chambliss situation and the tampering allegations out of respect for the ongoing situations.

Here’s what to know about the latest Ole Miss headlines.

Trinidad Chambliss sues NCAA as Ole Miss appeals eligibility waiver denial

Chambliss’ motion for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA is scheduled to be heard at the Calhoun County Courthouse Feb. 12.

Ole Miss also filed an appeal after the NCAA denied Chambliss’ eligibility waiver Jan. 9. He is seeking a medical redshirt for the 2022 season at Ferris State. Chambliss’ side is arguing that the medical issues he dealt with throughout that season, including respiratory problems and throat infections, should qualify him for another year.

It’s possible NCAA committee could overturn its previous denial of Chambliss’ medical redshirt waiver request. If Chambliss gets a positive ruling before Feb. 12, he could drop his lawsuit.

Ole Miss faces tampering allegations from Clemson, Dabo Swinney

Clemson told The Greenville News it has had communication with the NCAA about the tampering allegations against Ole Miss.

Swinney held a press conference on Jan. 23 where detailed the Ole Miss tampering allegations. Ferrelli transferred to Clemson from Cal, then left for Ole Miss.

Swinney said Ole Miss football coach Pete Golding texted Ferrelli, who was enrolled at Clemson, during an 8 a.m. class saying, “I know you’re signed. What’s the buyout?” and a picture of a $1 million contract.

That would be a tampering violation, under NCAA bylaw 13.1.1.4. Similar situations have led to a one-game suspension for the head coach, as well as fines and recruiting penalties.

Update on The Grove damage from ice storm

The Grove, the crown jewel of Ole Miss football’s tailgating scene, sustained tree damage from falling limbs during the ice storm.

In an open letter, Ole Miss Chancellor Glenn Boyce said that the trees in the Grove and the Circle weathered the storm and that a team of experts will be balancing safety and preservation when cleaning up campus.

Boyce said nearly 95% of the trees did well during the storm. Older trees that have lost 30-40% of their canopy, are split all the way to the center or lost most of their limbs on one side are more likely to be recommended for removal.

Ole Miss is handling the cleanup effort. It is expected to last for weeks. Boyce said a tree will be planted for each tree that is removed.

Boyce’s timeline outlined in the letter sounds like good news for tailgaters ahead of the 2026 football season. Boyce said that cleanup across campus will continue throughout the month.

The first Ole Miss football home game in 2026 is Sept. 12 against Charlotte.

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: Ole Miss football latest news on Trinidad Chambliss lawsuit, tampering