Ole Miss QB Granted 6th Year of NCAA Eligibility

State judge rules NCAA "operated in bad faith" in denying Trinidad Chambliss' request

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been granted a sixth year of NCAA eligibility after a state judge ruled that the NCAA "operated in bad faith" in denying his request. Chambliss led the Rebels to a successful 2025 season, but the NCAA initially rejected his request for an extra year due to an apparent respiratory issue in 2022 when he did not play for Division II Ferris State.

Why it matters

Chambliss' additional year of eligibility is a major boost for Ole Miss, who came within a quarter of making the College Football Playoff championship game last season. The Rebels will now have their star quarterback back for the 2026 season as they look to build on their recent success.

The details

After the NCAA formally rejected Chambliss' request for a sixth year of eligibility on Jan. 9, the quarterback took legal action. A state judge ruled that the NCAA "operated in bad faith" in trying to keep Chambliss ineligible for the 2026 season, paving the way for him to return to the Rebels.

  • On Jan. 9, the NCAA formally rejected Chambliss' request for a sixth year of eligibility.
  • On Feb. 13, 2026, a state judge ruled in favor of Chambliss, granting him the extra year of eligibility.

The players

Trinidad Chambliss

The Ole Miss quarterback who led the Rebels to a successful 2025 season and has now been granted a sixth year of NCAA eligibility after a legal battle with the organization.

Lane Kiffin

The former Ole Miss head coach who opted to take the LSU job during the Rebels' playoff run last season, resulting in controversy.

Keith Carter

The Ole Miss athletic director who said Kiffin would not be able to coach the team in the playoff if he left.

Charlie Weis Jr.

The Ole Miss offensive coordinator who went back and forth between LSU and Ole Miss during the playoff games.

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What’s next

The Rebels and Tigers will meet in Week 3 in Oxford, setting up an early-season showdown between the two SEC West rivals.

The takeaway

Chambliss' additional year of eligibility is a major win for Ole Miss, as they look to build on their successful 2025 campaign and make another push for the College Football Playoff. The Rebels' quarterback situation is now settled, giving them a significant advantage as they prepare for the 2026 season.