Mississippi Judge Grants Ole Miss QB Sixth Year of Eligibility

Ruling prevents NCAA from declaring Trinidad Chambliss ineligible during legal battle

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In a major victory for Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, a Mississippi judge has granted him a preliminary injunction allowing him to play next season despite the NCAA's attempts to rule him ineligible. The injunction prevents the NCAA from declaring Chambliss ineligible while his legal case against the organization works its way through the court system.

Why it matters

This ruling is a significant win for Chambliss and Ole Miss, as the star quarterback was facing the prospect of having his college career cut short by the NCAA's eligibility rules. The judge's decision allows Chambliss to continue playing while his case is adjudicated, giving him a chance to compete for a full sixth season.

The details

Mississippi Judge Robert Whitwell, an Ole Miss alum, granted Chambliss' request for a preliminary injunction after nearly an hour of reading his ruling. The injunction prevents the NCAA from declaring Chambliss ineligible during the legal proceedings. However, the NCAA does have the option to appeal the judge's decision.

  • On February 12, 2026, a Mississippi judge granted Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction allowing him to play next season.

The players

Trinidad Chambliss

The Ole Miss quarterback who was facing NCAA eligibility issues but was granted a sixth year of eligibility by a Mississippi judge.

Robert Whitwell

The Mississippi judge who granted the preliminary injunction allowing Chambliss to play next season while his legal case against the NCAA proceeds.

NCAA

The national collegiate athletic association that was attempting to rule Chambliss ineligible, but was blocked from doing so by the judge's injunction.

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What’s next

The NCAA has the option to appeal the judge's decision granting the preliminary injunction to Chambliss.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between student-athletes, universities, and the NCAA over eligibility rules, and demonstrates how the courts can intervene to protect a player's ability to continue competing at the collegiate level.