Former 5-Star QB Predicted to be Backup After Trinidad Chambliss Ruling

Deuce Knight transferred from Auburn to Ole Miss, but will likely serve as a backup to returning starter Trinidad Chambliss.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Deuce Knight, a former 5-star quarterback recruit, transferred from Auburn to Ole Miss after the 2025 season. However, with Ole Miss starter Trinidad Chambliss being granted an extra year of eligibility, Knight is expected to serve as a backup for the 2026 season despite his limited playing time at Auburn.

Why it matters

The NCAA transfer portal has seen a significant number of quarterback movements in the 2026 offseason, with many players looking to become starters at their new schools. Knight's situation highlights how some high-profile transfers may still end up in backup roles, depending on the eligibility status of returning starters at their new programs.

The details

Knight, a 6-foot-4, 217-pound quarterback, was a top 10 recruit in the 2025 class when he committed to Auburn. However, he was third on the depth chart behind Jackson Arnold and Ashton Daniels and saw limited playing time, appearing in just one game. In that game against Mercer, he threw for 259 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for 178 yards and 4 touchdowns. After Auburn's head coach Hugh Freeze stepped down, Knight entered the transfer portal and chose to return to his home state of Mississippi by committing to Ole Miss.

  • Knight entered the NCAA transfer portal after the 2025 regular season.
  • Knight announced his commitment to Ole Miss in late January 2026.
  • Ole Miss starter Trinidad Chambliss was granted a preliminary injunction to play an extra season in 2026.

The players

Deuce Knight

A former 5-star quarterback recruit who transferred from Auburn to Ole Miss for the 2026 season.

Trinidad Chambliss

The starting quarterback at Ole Miss who was granted an extra year of eligibility for the 2026 season.

Hugh Freeze

The former head coach at Auburn, who stepped down after the 2025 season.

Alex Golesh

The new head coach at Auburn, taking over for Hugh Freeze.

Antonio Morales

A reporter for The Athletic who evaluated Knight's performance as a true freshman at Auburn.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Deuce Knight transferred to Ole Miss after a season at Auburn, but is headed toward another season as a backup since it looks as though Trinidad Chambliss will be eligible in the fall.”

— Antonio Morales, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Trinidad Chambliss to play an additional season at Ole Miss in 2026.

The takeaway

The NCAA transfer portal has led to significant quarterback movement in the offseason, but not all high-profile transfers will end up as starters at their new schools. Knight's situation at Ole Miss shows how the eligibility status of returning starters can impact the playing time of incoming transfers, even those with impressive recruiting pedigrees.