Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is taking legal action to get a chance to play college football during the 2026 season. He’s filed a petition in a Mississippi court, asking for an injunction to challenge the NCAA’s recent decision that denied him an extra year of eligibility.
Just days earlier, on January 9, the NCAA rejected Chambliss’ request for a sixth year. He had redshirted at Ferris State during his freshman year in 2021, later playing three seasons there before transferring to Ole Miss for his last season. Chambliss initially hired attorney Tom Mars for his case, and after the waiver was denied, he brought in Mississippi attorney William Liston III, who co-founded the Grove Collective to support Ole Miss athletes with NIL initiatives.
What makes this case unique is that it’s being pursued in state court rather than federal court. Most cases against the NCAA are filed federally, especially ones related to player compensation. Chambliss’ legal team believes they have a better chance in state court, arguing that the NCAA didn’t apply its rules fairly in his situation, effectively breaching its contract with him and member schools.
The case will be heard by Judge Robert Whitwell, an Ole Miss graduate and former quarterback himself. His background may provide a sympathetic ear to Chambliss and Ole Miss fans.
The petition aims for an injunction that would lift the NCAA’s eligibility ruling, potentially allowing Chambliss to play in the 2026 season. If denied, he would need to transition to the NFL instead.
Chambliss faced significant hurdles along the way. In 2022, he was hampered by medical issues, specifically enlarged tonsils after having mononucleosis, which his lawyers claim restricted his participation that season. They argue that he should be considered as having played only three seasons instead of four.
The NCAA rejected his appeal partly because Ferris State did not file a medical hardship waiver during his struggles, which is standard procedure for injured players. His attorneys contend he shouldn’t have been required to do so back then and argue that different rules should apply since his initial years were spent in Division II.
In a key letter cited in the petition, Ferris State’s associate athletic director acknowledged that Chambliss’s health issues influenced the decision to redshirt him. This contradicts the NCAA’s reasoning for denying his request.
Now, the NCAA must justify its decision in Mississippi. They will likely argue for a federal jurisdiction, claiming their national scope warrants it. However, Chambliss’ team hopes that local support for him and Ole Miss, mixed with a historical distrust of the NCAA in Mississippi, might sway the court’s decision.
Recent discussions around college athlete rights and their eligibility have gained momentum, making cases like Chambliss’s more significant in the larger context of player rights in sports. Public opinion often favors athletes seeking fair treatment, especially after scandals involving unfair practices in college sports.
### Related Facts
– The NCAA has faced criticism in recent years regarding its treatment of athletes, especially surrounding compensation and eligibility rules.
– According to a 2022 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, 60% of student-athletes do not graduate on time, often due to eligibility issues or academic challenges.
As the case unfolds, it could set an important precedent for future student-athletes facing similar struggles.
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