Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss Granted Extra Year of Eligibility

NCAA condemns ruling but may not appeal after ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith demands they "stand down"

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted an extra year of eligibility by a Mississippi judge, allowing him to play for the Rebels next season. The NCAA had initially denied Chambliss's waiver request, but the judge's ruling will now force the NCAA to either accept the decision or appeal it.

Why it matters

Chambliss is one of the top returning quarterbacks in college football after leading Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff last season. His continued eligibility will have major implications for the Rebels' outlook and the Heisman Trophy race next year.

The details

In his first season as Ole Miss's starting quarterback, Chambliss threw for 3,937 yards and 22 touchdowns while also rushing for 527 yards and 8 scores. The NCAA had denied his request for a waiver to play an additional year, but a Mississippi judge has now granted him an injunction allowing him to suit up for the Rebels in 2026.

  • On January 15, 2026, the NCAA denied Chambliss's waiver request for an extra year of eligibility.
  • On February 12, 2026, a Mississippi judge granted Chambliss an injunction allowing him to play next season.

The players

Trinidad Chambliss

The starting quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels who led the team to the College Football Playoff last season.

Stephen A. Smith

An ESPN analyst who urged the NCAA to "stand down" and not appeal the judge's ruling allowing Chambliss to play next year.

Robert Whitwell

The Lafayette County Chancery Court judge who granted the injunction allowing Chambliss to play next season.

Paul Finebaum

An ESPN analyst who criticized the NCAA's "arrogant" and "haughty" conduct in Chambliss's case.

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What they’re saying

“I want the NCAA to stand down and leave the kid alone. I'm very happy with this ruling. Let the kid play. It ain't too many people that's looking to stay in college these days, particularly with the way the NCAA runs its business. This is a kid who wants to play college football.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst (First Take)

“Well, let me think about it for a second... they're arrogant, they're haughty, they're supercilious, they think they can do no wrong, and they have one of the worst legal departments I have ever seen. It was the right ruling, because the NCAA completely bungled this case.”

— Paul Finebaum, ESPN Analyst (First Take)

What’s next

The judge's ruling will force the NCAA to either accept the decision and allow Chambliss to play next season, or appeal the injunction. The NCAA has stated it condemns the ruling, but has not yet announced whether it will appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between student-athletes, the NCAA, and the courts over eligibility rules. Chambliss's continued eligibility will be a major boost for Ole Miss and college football fans who want to see one of the sport's top quarterbacks back on the field next season.