Ole Miss QB Granted 6th Year of NCAA Eligibility

State judge rules NCAA acted in 'bad faith' in denying Trinidad Chambliss extra season

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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After suing the NCAA over a sixth season of eligibility, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted the opportunity to play the 2026 season by a state judge on Thursday. The NCAA had formally rejected his request for a sixth year of eligibility in January, citing a lack of evidence that he was suffering from an 'incapacitating injury or illness' when he did not play for Division II Ferris State in 2022 due to apparent respiratory issues.

Why it matters

This ruling is a major win for Chambliss and Ole Miss, as the star quarterback will be able to return for another season after leading the Rebels to the brink of the College Football Playoff in 2025. The judge's decision that the NCAA 'operated in bad faith' could also have broader implications for the organization's eligibility policies.

The details

The state judge ruled that the NCAA acted improperly in denying Chambliss' request for a sixth year of eligibility. Chambliss had sued the NCAA after his appeal for the extra season was denied last week, arguing that the organization was unfairly keeping him ineligible for 2026.

  • On January 9, the NCAA formally rejected Chambliss' request for a sixth year of eligibility.
  • On February 12, 2026, a state judge ruled in favor of Chambliss, granting him the extra season of eligibility.

The players

Trinidad Chambliss

The Ole Miss quarterback who was granted a sixth year of NCAA eligibility by a state judge after suing the organization.

NCAA

The governing body for college athletics that initially denied Chambliss' request for an extra season, which the judge ruled was done in 'bad faith'.

Lane Kiffin

The former Ole Miss head coach who left the team to take the LSU job, leading to controversy around the Rebels' playoff run.

Keith Carter

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

Charlie Weis Jr.

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

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What’s next

The judge's ruling means Chambliss will be able to play for Ole Miss in the 2026 season. The Rebels and LSU Tigers are scheduled to meet in Week 3 in Oxford.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between student-athletes, universities, and the NCAA over eligibility rules. The judge's finding that the NCAA acted in 'bad faith' could embolden other players to challenge the organization's decisions through the legal system, potentially leading to broader changes in how the NCAA handles eligibility matters.