Rebels react to NCAA denial of Trinidad Chambliss

Ole Miss football faced a major setback late Wednesday night after the ruling reshaped the program’s prospects for the 2026 season. The NCAA eligibility decision casts doubt on one of the Rebels’ most important pieces and could significantly affect their championship aspirations.

The university has learned that the NCAA Athletics Subcommittee has denied quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ request for a sixth year of eligibility. The ruling ends the administrative appeal process and puts Chambliss’ availability for the upcoming season in immediate jeopardy.

Chambliss petitioned for medical hardship waivers related to the previous season affected by documented health issues. Ole Miss argued that the supporting documents meet established NCAA standards and are consistent with precedent set in similar cases. The subcommittee ultimately disagreed, leaving the Rebels quarterback ineligible under current NCAA regulations.

The decision carries significant competitive implications. Chambliss led the Rebels to a historic 13–2 record in the 2025 season, highlighted by the program’s first College Football Playoff semifinal appearance. He also finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting and was named SEC Rookie of the Year after transferring from Ferris State.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel shared Ole Miss’ immediate response in a post on his official X (formerly known as Twitter) account, laying out the program stance and potential next steps after denial.

Ole Miss statement: Chambliss’ representatives “will continue to pursue all available remedies, and we will publicly stand behind Trinidad as we hold the NCAA accountable for a decision inconsistent with its own rules, precedent and documented medical record.” https://t.co/SrtcvrUrKB

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 5, 2026

According to Thamel, Ole Miss publicly reaffirmed its support for Chambliss, stating that the NCAA’s decision was inconsistent with its own rules, established precedent or documented medical records. The university also confirmed that Chambliss’ representatives intend to pursue all available legal remedies.

That language points to a possible legal challenge, including seeking an injunction Chambliss pre-season qualification. The approach reflects a broader trend in college football, where programs are increasingly turning to the courts to challenge NCAA rulings.

Without Chambliss, Ole Miss would have to recalibrate its offensive approach entering the 2026 season. With him, the Rebels retain one of the nation’s most productive dual-threat running backs. Now it appears the next chapter of this dispute will move from Indianapolis to the courtroom.