The future of Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is now in the hands of the court. According to his lawyer, Tom Mars, a lawsuit against the NCAA is set to be filed in Mississippi this week. They are seeking a preliminary injunction to secure Chambliss’ eligibility for the 2026 season.
Chambliss had an impressive performance in 2025, finishing eighth in the Heisman voting. His request for a sixth year of eligibility was denied by the NCAA, which cited insufficient medical documentation as the reason.
Mars, along with trial lawyer William Liston, has worked over the weekend to prepare a detailed complaint. They plan to present an argument that is stronger than previous eligibility lawsuits. The aim is to file by the end of the week. Mars described the Mississippi court as a “level playing field,” suggesting confidence in their case.
Chambliss’ journey to becoming a star is quite remarkable. He joined Ole Miss after playing at Ferris State, a Division II school, primarily as a backup. However, when the starting quarterback, Austin Simmons, got injured, Chambliss seized the opportunity. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards and led the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they faced Miami.
There’s a lot at stake for Chambliss, especially with financial implications. He’s projected to be one of the top college quarterbacks, with a deal that could exceed $6 million, factoring in potential incentives.
Interestingly, Ole Miss is also planning to appeal to the NCAA. The organization has not publicly commented on the lawsuit yet but previously issued a statement regarding Chambliss’ waiver, emphasizing that a lack of medical proofs was critical in their decision.
For context, in this academic year alone, the NCAA has received 784 requests for clock extensions. Yet, only 15 were approved in cases of incapacitating injuries, mostly due to the necessary documentation. This statistic highlights the challenges athletes face when navigating NCAA regulations.
As this case unfolds, it reflects the increasing tensions surrounding athlete eligibility and NCAA rules. The outcome may influence future decisions for athletes seeking similar extensions.
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