Trinidad Chambliss is an exciting young talent in college football who plays for the Ole Miss Rebels. He is one of the most promising football players who is expected to make the leap to the NFL soon enough, though not this year.
He was restricted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to play another year in college football. However, it looks like he will be eligible to play for one more year.
Trinidad Chambliss cleared to play for Ole Miss in 2026
The Mississippi Supreme Court denied the NCAA’s petition for an interlocutory appeal in the eligibility case of Ole Miss quarterback Chambliss on March 27, 2026. It clears a significant legal barrier for his potential participation in the 2026 season.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss talks with supporters after the hearing of Chambliss in his lawsuit against the NCAA at Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Miss., on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Chambliss was granted a preliminary injunction against the NCAA. © Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
According to NCAA rules, a player can play for six seasons at college level only if one of those years was missed due to injury. He redshirted during the 2021 season. Chambliss claimed that his 2022 season at Ferris State should also be considered as a medical redshirt season, as he didn’t play at all due to severe health issues and multiple illnesses. He argued that this qualifies him to play for an additional year under NCAA rules.
The NCAA has previously denied his waiver request multiple times, as they believe that there was not sufficient and valid evidence despite the player submitting extensive medical documents. This led to Chambliss and his program to sue the organization in a Mississippi state court. Chambliss’s attorney Tom Mars has argued that the organization did not properly evaluate the medical evidence from 2022. A judge granted him a preliminary injunction after a lengthy hearing, ruling that the organization acted in ‘bad faith’ with the player and caused much harm to the player despite sufficient evidence.
Afterwards, the NCAA filed a petition with the Mississippi Supreme Court on March 5, seeking to overturn the injunction and arguing that Chambliss had exhausted his eligibility under standard five-year clock rules. It has now been denied by a three-judge panel, though further legal troubles lie ahead for the player.
Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility case still not over
Though the Mississippi Supreme Court has denied the petition, it does not mean a final judgement has been passed. The lawsuit filed by the NCAA can still continue, but Chambliss can now play for his team as the preliminary injunction will remain in effect by the time the 2026 season has started.
The NCAA has not filed further appeals, though they can still pursue other motions. The organization has repeatedly stated that they retain the primary authority over eligibility determinations.
As the case goes on, Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss will be happy as they have gotten the signal to prepare for the next season.