Ole Miss Coach Joe Judge Clarifies Controversial Testimony in Chambliss Eligibility Case

Judge says his comments about players' sleep and family responsibilities were taken out of context.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Ole Miss assistant football coach Joe Judge has attempted to clarify controversial testimony he provided in the Trinidad Chambliss eligibility case. Judge said some of his comments about the importance of players getting adequate sleep, even if it means not waking up for midnight feedings with a new baby, were taken out of context. He insisted he was trying to highlight the demands placed on professional players, not collegiate athletes. A Mississippi judge has granted Chambliss an extra year of eligibility, a decision that is subject to appeal by the NCAA.

Why it matters

The case highlights the tensions that can arise between the demands of college athletics and players' personal lives, especially when it comes to family responsibilities. Judge's comments sparked backlash, and he sought to clarify that he was speaking from his experience at the professional level, not advocating for such policies at the collegiate level.

The details

In his testimony on Thursday, Judge said that "significant others" of football players shouldn't ask them to wake up for midnight feedings during the season so they can get the necessary sleep to perform on the field. He acknowledged this would be an unpopular opinion, but said it's a "day-by-day production business" and the player "has to be ready to perform." However, Judge later clarified that these were discussions he was part of at the professional level, not the collegiate level, and that he would never diminish a player's commitment to family.

  • On February 12, 2026, Joe Judge testified during the hearing of quarterback Trinidad Chambliss' lawsuit against the NCAA.
  • On February 14, 2026, a Mississippi judge granted Chambliss an extra year of eligibility, a decision subject to appeal by the NCAA.

The players

Joe Judge

An assistant football coach at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) who previously served as the head coach of the New York Giants in the NFL for two seasons.

Trinidad Chambliss

The Ole Miss quarterback who filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking an extra year of eligibility, which was granted by a Mississippi judge.

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What they’re saying

“Some of my comments from Thursday have been taken out of context, so I'd like to provide some clarity. In a discussion about Trinidad's sleep apnea, I was trying to point out the importance that the NFL places on sleep for recovery and performance in addition to the education of balancing family dynamic during the football season.”

— Joe Judge, Ole Miss Assistant Football Coach (X)

“These are discussions I was a part of at the professional level from veteran players based on their own experience managing similar situations. These are not discussions we've had at the collegiate level. As a husband and father of four children, I understand those challenges first hand and would never diminish the commitment to family. We share that same dedication to family with our players and always support them through any challenges they face in their personal lives.”

— Joe Judge, Ole Miss Assistant Football Coach (X)

What’s next

The NCAA has the option to appeal the Mississippi judge's decision to grant Trinidad Chambliss an extra year of eligibility.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance between the demands of college athletics and players' personal lives, especially when it comes to family responsibilities. While Judge's comments sparked controversy, his clarification that he was speaking from his experience at the professional level, not advocating for such policies in college, underscores the need for nuanced discussions around these issues.