Judge Grants Ole Miss QB Extra Eligibility

Preliminary injunction allows Trinidad Chambliss to play next season despite NCAA denial

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A Mississippi judge has granted Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, allowing him to receive an extra year of eligibility and play next season. The judge ruled that the NCAA ignored its own rules in denying Chambliss' waiver request, which was supported by 91 pages of documentation on his medical issues that prevented him from playing two seasons.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the NCAA's eligibility rules and the legal system, as courts have increasingly stepped in to overturn NCAA decisions that players argue are unfair. The ruling could set a precedent for other student-athletes seeking additional eligibility due to extenuating circumstances.

The details

Chambliss, a 23-year-old quarterback, has been in college for five years but was only able to play for three seasons due to medical issues. The NCAA denied his waiver request in January, but the judge ruled that the organization failed to properly consider Chambliss' medical history when making its decision. The judge said Chambliss would have suffered 'irreparable harm' if the NCAA's ruling had stood, while the NCAA would not be significantly damaged by allowing him to play.

  • On January 9, the NCAA denied Chambliss' waiver request.
  • On February 4, the NCAA's Athletics Eligibility Subcommittee upheld the denial of Chambliss' appeal.
  • On February 13, 2026, the judge granted Chambliss a preliminary injunction against the NCAA.

The players

Trinidad Chambliss

The 23-year-old Ole Miss quarterback who was granted a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, allowing him to play an extra season.

Judge Robert Whitwell

The Mississippi judge who ruled that the NCAA ignored its own rules in denying Chambliss' waiver request and granted him the preliminary injunction.

NCAA

The governing body for college athletics that denied Chambliss' waiver request and expressed frustration with the legal system's involvement in overturning its eligibility decisions.

Ole Miss

The university's athletic department expressed support for Chambliss and said the ruling affirms that he deserves the opportunity to complete his collegiate career.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate the thoughtful consideration given to this matter and for the court's recognition of the circumstances surrounding Trinidad's case. We believe this outcome affirms what we have maintained throughout this process that Trinidad deserves the opportunity to compete and complete his collegiate career on the field.”

— Ole Miss Athletic Department (newser.com)

“Trinidad Chambliss has demonstrated based on the evidence presented that he is entitled to an additional year at the University of Mississippi. The NCAA has failed in its argument to withhold that right.”

— Judge Robert Whitwell (newser.com)

“This decision in a state court illustrates the impossible situation created by differing court decisions that serve to undermine rules agreed to by the same NCAA members who later challenge them in court. We will continue to defend the NCAA's eligibility rules against repeated attempts to rob future generations of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create.”

— NCAA (newser.com)

What’s next

The NCAA has not indicated whether it will appeal the judge's ruling granting Chambliss the preliminary injunction. The case could set a precedent for future student-athletes seeking additional eligibility from the NCAA.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between the NCAA's eligibility rules and the legal system, as courts have increasingly stepped in to overturn NCAA decisions that players argue are unfair. The ruling could embolden other student-athletes to challenge the NCAA's authority and seek additional opportunities to compete at the collegiate level.