Ole Miss fires back at NCAA following Trinidad Chambliss denial

Ole Miss released a statement Wednesday night after the NCAA denied quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ appeal for a sixth year of eligibility, a decision the program called “indefensible.”

The NCAA denied Chambliss’ waiver appeal following an initial rejection on Jan. 9. The ruling effectively ends the star quarterback’s college career, barring legal intervention.

Chambliss, who led the Ole Miss Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2025, finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting and accounted for 30 total touchdowns during the season. Ole Miss has already prepared for the possibility of life without him in 2026, adding Auburn transfer quarterback Deuce Knight during the offseason.

“The NCAA Athletics Eligibility Subcommittee’s decision to deny Trinidad’s appeal is indefensible in light of the undisputed facts,” Ole Miss said in its statement. The school argued Chambliss was effectively sidelined during the 2022 season due to severe medical issues, despite the NCAA’s conclusion that he was not denied an opportunity to compete.

Statement from Ole Miss Athletics. 🇹🇹 pic.twitter.com/3ChGgW0YHb

According to Ole Miss, Chambliss did not dress for a single game in 2022 while dealing with documented respiratory issues that were contemporaneously treated by his physician. The school said the waiver should have been approved at the staff level.

More: Sean Payton reveals Bo Nix's 'pre-existing' injury

Chambliss’ case centers on his sophomore season at Ferris State, when he did not play because of those medical concerns. His attorney, Tom Mars, has said Ole Miss submitted 91 pages of medical records to the NCAA.

Earlier this month, Chambliss filed a lawsuit in the Chancery Court of Lafayette County, Mississippi, seeking injunctions that would allow him to play a final season. Ole Miss said it will continue to publicly support him while pursuing all available legal remedies.

More college football news: 

• Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
• Jimmy Kimmel roasts Bill Belichick’s girlfriend over Hall of Fame debate
• Ex-Indiana QB fires back after portrayal in CBS 60 Minutes interview
• Skip Holtz provides update on his father's condition
• Jason Whitlock slams Shedeur Sanders says 'NFL's Jake Paul' didn't earn Pro Bowl