Will Trinidad Chambliss play in 2026? What to know of Ole Miss QB's eligibility

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Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been the breakout star of the College Football Playoff in 2025, leading the Rebels to a CFP semifinal appearance against Miami after upsetting Georgia at the Sugar Bowl.

Chambliss' path to stardom is nothing short of unique, either.

The fifth-year senior transferred to Ole Miss in the spring transfer portal window, putting himself at a disadvantage with less time to acclimate to the program. Chambliss opened the season as Austin Simmons' backup, only receiving an opportunity after Simmons suffered an injury early in the year.

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The 2025 season is also his first at the Division I level, as he played four seasons at Division II powerhouse Ferris State to start his career, leading the Bulldogs to the Division II national championship last season.

Chambliss, who would certainly be one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal if he opted to leave Ole Miss, has already re-signed with the Rebels for 2026. The only issue, though, is he's awaiting response from the NCAA on an eligibility waiver to play a sixth and final season.

Will Chambliss play in 2026? Here's what to know of his status for next season:

Will Trinidad Chambliss play next season?

It's unclear if Chambliss will receive an extra season of eligibility from the NCAA to play at Ole Miss in 2026. However, the program appears to be somewhat optimistic about their chances.

Ole Miss and Chambliss have already agreed to a new deal for him to return in 2026, should he receive an extra year. Simmons, the starter entering the season, has already committed to Missouri via the transfer portal, and it doesn't appear that Ole Miss has shown interest in other transfer portal signal callers in the window, which opened Jan. 2 and closes Jan. 16.

Chambliss is hoping to receive a retroactive redshirt season for 2022, where he didn't play in any games. He said he dealt with chronic tonsillitis.

"I also had heart palpitations and trouble breathing," Chambliss told reporters on Dec. 30. "My respiratory system just wasn't the best at the time."

Chambliss played two seasons at Ferris State after redshirting as a true freshman and not playing in 2022 as he dealt with health issues he noted. Another season of eligibility with technically be his fourth season of true competition.

There would be huge implications for Chambliss if he doesn't receive another season, especially monetarily. He finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting and is set to be one of the best returning players in college football.

Trinidad Chambliss stats

2021 (Ferris State): Redshirt
2022 (Ferris State): Didn't appear in games
2023 (Ferris State): 21-of-33 passing (63.6%) for 354 yards with six touchdowns to an interception; 41 rushes for 304 yards with four touchdowns
2024 (Ferris State): 226-of-367 passing (61.6%) for 2,925 yards with 26 touchdowns to six interceptions; 171 rushes for 1,019 yards with 25 touchdowns
2025 (Ole Miss): 271-of-408 passing (66.4%) for 3,660 yards with 21 touchdowns to five interceptions; 128 carries for 520 yards with eight touchdowns

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Trinidad Chambliss play in 2026? What to know of Ole Miss QB

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