Mississippi judge denies NCAA appeal, clears Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss for sixth season
Authored by hiwind.net, Mar 28, 2026
A judge in Mississippi has denied the NCAA's appeal in a lawsuit filed by University of Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, ruling him eligible for a sixth year of college football eligibility.[1][2]
The NCAA had rejected Chambliss' request for the extra year on January 9, 2026, stating that he and Ferris State University could not provide sufficient evidence of an "incapacitating injury or illness" for his absence during the 2022 season at the Division II program, attributed to respiratory issues.[1][2]
Chambliss, who previously played at Ferris State Bulldogs in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, sued the NCAA after the denial. A judge ruled last month that the NCAA acted in "bad faith" by attempting to deem him ineligible, prompting the appeal.[1][2]
The NCAA contended that Chambliss had exhausted his eligibility by playing four seasons within a five-year clock for Division I football.[1][2]
The ruling followed a hearing on February 12, 2026, at Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Mississippi.[1]
Ole Miss, competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), reached the College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl, losing 31-27 to Miami on January 8, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.[1][2]
The Rebels' postseason included off-field issues when head coach Lane Kiffin accepted the LSU head coaching position, leading to disputes over his playoff involvement; offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and others assisted both programs during the games.[1]
Ole Miss is scheduled to host LSU in Week 3 of the upcoming season in Oxford, Mississippi.[1]
Sources
- Fox News, "Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is eligible for a sixth season of college football after a Mississippi judge denied an NCAA appeal", February 13, 2026, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ole-miss-qb-trinidad-chambliss-eligible-sixth-season-ncaa-appeal-denied
- Ole Miss Athletics, "Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss Granted Sixth Year of Eligibility Following Court Ruling", February 13, 2026, https://olemissports.com/news/2026/2/13/football-chambliss-eligibility-ruling.aspx