Who is Trinidad Chambliss? What to know about Division-II transfer starting at QB for Ole Miss in place of Austin Simmons

Just three games into the 2025 season, the Ole Miss Rebels are set to roll out a new starting quarterback.

Sophomore Austin Simmons, who has accounted for four touchdowns but also thrown four interceptions in two wins, is reportedly sidelined by an ankle injury. As a result, head coach Lane Kiffin is expected to turn to a transfer quarterback for Saturday’s matchup with Arkansas.

Trinidad Chambliss, a former Division II standout, is reportedly in line to make his first start for the No. 15 Rebels.

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Here's what to know about Chambliss, as well as the latest on Simmons' injury.

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Who is Trinidad Chambliss?

Trinidad Chambliss is a senior quarterback who joined Ole Miss as a transfer last spring. Chambliss was previously a Division II star playing at Ferris State. He led the Bulldogs to their third national title in four years in 2024.

During his three seasons at Ferris State, Chambliss made 16 starts, with his breakout coming in 2024. That year, he piled up more than 3,000 yards of total offense and accounted for 51 touchdowns. He threw for 2,925 yards and 26 scores through the air while adding 1,019 yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground. His performance earned him a third-place finish for the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded annually to the top player in Division II football.

Prior to his time at Ferris State, Chambliss played at Forest Hills Northern High School in Grand Rapids, Mich. As a transfer last spring, 247Sports rated Chambliss as a three-star prospect.

After entering the transfer portal on Apr. 10, Chambliss announced his commitment to Ole Miss on Apr. 15. 

In Ole Miss' Week 1 matchup against Georgia State, Chambliss made his team debut, completing four passes for 59 yards and a touchdown.

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Why is Trinidad Chambliss starting for Ole Miss?

Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons is dealing with an ankle injury that has put his availability for Saturday’s game against Arkansas in question. The injury occurred during the Rebels’ Week 2 win over Kentucky.

While Simmons could reportedly still play if needed, On3 reported Saturday that Trinidad Chambliss is “expected” to start at quarterback against the Razorbacks.

On3's Chris Low also added that Simmons "could at least be available even if Trinidad Chambliss starts the game" vs. Arkansas, so while the former Division II star will be getting his first Division I starting snaps, Ole Miss' top quarterback may still return in any emergencies. Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Simmons will be a "game-time decision."

AJ Maddox is the team's No. 3 QB.

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Trinidad Chambliss career stats

Here's a look at Chambliss' year-by-year numbers.

How long is Austin Simmons out?

Simmons' exact timeline for his ankle injury hasn't been revealed, but Thamel did call him a "game-time decision" for the Week 3 matchup against Arkansas. The quarterback had not been on the team's recent injury reports.

On3's Chris Low reported that Simmons "looked and moved better on his injured ankle Friday in practice," and he was set to be re-evaluated later in the day Saturday. Based on those reports, Simmons isn't expected to miss an extensive period, even if he has to sit out Ole Miss' Week 3 game.