Trinidad Chambliss' appeal denied for NCAA eligibility waiver: What this means for Ole Miss, NFL Draft and more

There were a few breakout names at quarterback during the 2025 college football season. Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy after entering Indiana’s season as a relative unknown to national fans, while Diego Pavia became a sensation at Vanderbilt with his two-way talents.

However, there may not have been a quarterback who set himself up for a bigger future — especially in the latter half of the season — than Trinidad Chambliss.

The Ole Miss Rebels quarterback’s spectacular season came to an end in the College Football Playoff semifinals, as his team fell 31-27 to the Miami Hurricanes. Now, Chambliss's college career ultimately comes to an end.  

Now that he won't be back next fall, Chambliss will have to declare for the NFL Draft in April.

Here’s what to know about Chambliss’ future after becoming a star in the College Football Playoff.

MORE: Breaking down Trinidad Chambliss' NFL Draft projection

What's next for Trinidad Chambliss?

Chambliss will not be able to return to college.

The quarterback had a deal in place to return to Ole Miss, per ESPN, but he needed an NCAA ruling to determine his eligibility. Chambliss filed a medical redshirt waiver for a sixth year of eligibility in November, citing his 2022 sophomore season at Ferris State, during which medical documents reportedly showed he battled a respiratory issue.

Home 🏡❤️ pic.twitter.com/VC2KcpjhwB

— Trinidad Chambliss (@TrinidadChambl1) January 6, 2026

According to ESPN, Chambliss said the process was "a little frustrating" because he didn't receive a definitive answer to his request, even though the NCAA denied his waiver request verbally in December. 

On Friday, Jan.9, the NCAA officially denied Chambliss' waiver for a sixth year, which would end his college career. However, Ole Miss is expected to file an appeal, and Mars says the case can still be heard by Mississippi courts.

In a statement, the NCAA explained that Chambliss did not have appropriate "medical documentation provided by a treating physician at the time of a student’s incapacitating injury or illness."

— NCAA News (@NCAA_PR) January 9, 2026

According to Ross Dellenger, Chambliss signed a $5 million annual deal at Ole Miss, so that would likely be the number his team uses as damages in court.

On Sunday, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Chambliss and his lawyers plan to file suit against the NCAA  in state court in Mississippi for a preliminary injunction, still aiming to secure Chambliss’ eligibility for 2026.

NEWS: Lawyers for Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss plan to file suit against the NCAA this week in state court in Mississippi for a preliminary injunction to secure Chambliss’ eligibility for 2026. Lawyer Tom Mars will work with noted Mississippi trial lawyer William Liston. pic.twitter.com/vse9z0jEQm

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 12, 2026

And on Friday, Jan. 17, Chambliss' legal team filed his lawsuit against the NCAA in Mississippi state court.

Trinidad Chambliss' attorneys have officially filed his lawsuit against the NCAA in Mississippi state court. pic.twitter.com/Ra7zFNnBAM

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 16, 2026

Finally, on Wednesday, Feb. 4, the NCAA informed Ole Miss that its appeal for Chambliss’ sixth-year waiver had been denied.

Sources: The NCAA has denied Ole Miss’ appeal for Trinidad Chambliss’ sixth-year waiver. The NCAA athletics eligibility subcommittee denied the waiver, which was for a medical redshirt, and the school has been informed. pic.twitter.com/LWjK0jfc2u

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 5, 2026

MORE: Where is Trinidad Chambliss from? More on the QB's Michigan roots

Trinidad Chambliss college eligibility

Trinidad Chambliss just finished his final collegiate eligibility when Ole Miss fell to Miami in the CFP. After taking a redshirt in 2021, he was on Ferris State's roster as a backup quarterback for a few seasons. In 2023, as a redshirt sophomore, he made one start and appeared in eight games, and in 2024, he led his team to a Division II national championship as the starter.

Chambliss requested a medical redshirt waiver to play a sixth collegiate season, but that waiver was denied by the NCAA. According to ESPN, Chambliss and his lawyers filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking to reverse that decision and allow the quarterback to return to Ole Miss in 2026.

Trinidad Chambliss NFL Draft projection

Chambliss' performances in the CFP could completely alter how NFL teams view him. However, for now, NFL Mock Draft Database's consensus rankings projected Chambliss to be an undrafted free agent in the upcoming 2026 draft.

It wouldn't be surprising to see him continue rising up potential draft boards, however, as a majority of Chambliss' top performances have come within the last month of the season. In the CFP semifinals, he finished his 2025 season with 277 passing yards and one touchdown against a strong Miami defense.

— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 9, 2026

Ole Miss QB options 2026

Ole Miss was hoping to head into 2026 with Chambliss back under center, and even though they're filing an appeal of the eligibility waiver denial, the reality has set in: they have to prepare for life without the surprising star. 

To do that, they'll have to look to the transfer portal. On3 is predicting that Ole Miss could look to a familiar SEC foe for a replacement. 

NEW: On3's @PeteNakos has logged an expert prediction for Ole Miss to land Auburn true freshman transfer QB Deuce Knight🦈https://t.co/ybbH7fulrW https://t.co/jjKhIJv9wN pic.twitter.com/ST4gM74fXS

— On3 (@On3sports) January 9, 2026