NCAA Pushes Back on Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss’ Eligibility Lawsuit
The eligibility battle between Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and the NCAA took another step forward this week, as the NCAA formally responded to Chambliss’ lawsuit seeking a preliminary injunction that would allow him to suit up for the Rebels in 2026.
At the heart of the dispute is the NCAA’s denial of Chambliss’ eligibility waiver, which he and his legal team argue should be overturned due to medical hardship. Chambliss, who spent four years at Division II Ferris State, did not play during his first two seasons and claims recurring health issues made him physically unable to compete in 2022. A letter from his doctor backs that up - but the NCAA isn’t buying it.
NCAA: No Sufficient Medical Evidence
In a 27-page filing submitted on February 2, the NCAA laid out its case for why the court should deny Chambliss’ request for a preliminary injunction. The core of their argument? Chambliss, they say, hasn’t provided enough medical documentation to prove he was truly incapable of playing during the 2022 season.
The NCAA’s legal stance hinges on four main points:
- Courts Shouldn’t Interfere: They argue that it’s not the court’s job to second-guess internal decisions of private membership organizations like the NCAA - unless there’s a clear legal or contractual violation. The NCAA points to Mississippi Supreme Court precedent to support that claim.
- No Breach of Good Faith: The NCAA contends that Chambliss can’t prove they violated any covenant of good faith or fair dealing in their decision-making process.
- No Irreparable Harm: According to the NCAA, Chambliss won’t suffer “irreparable harm” if he’s not granted the injunction. In their view, he still has a path forward - just not at the college level.
- Public Interest: Perhaps their most pointed argument is that allowing Chambliss to play would take a roster spot and NIL compensation away from another athlete. They also warn that if courts begin overriding eligibility decisions, it could lead to chaos in college sports governance.
The NCAA summed it up bluntly: “Collegiate sports will become ungovernable if eligibility determinations are instead the result of individual court decisions.”
Chambliss’ Doctor Weighs In
The day after the NCAA’s filing, Chambliss’ legal team submitted a letter from Dr. Anthony Howard, a Michigan-based otolaryngologist who began treating Chambliss in 2022. According to Howard, Chambliss was dealing with significant health issues that year - including recurrent throat infections, poor sleep, daytime fatigue, and breathing problems during physical activity - all stemming from a bout with mononucleosis he contracted in 2020.
Howard’s letter paints a picture of an athlete who was physically compromised throughout the 2022 season and into 2023. Chambliss eventually had his tonsils removed in 2024, a move that reportedly resolved many of the lingering issues.
The Stakes: More Than Just Playing Time
Chambliss’ lawsuit, filed in Mississippi’s Lafayette County Chancery Court on January 16, isn’t just about getting back on the field - it’s about protecting his financial future. According to the 34-page complaint, Chambliss stands to make significantly more money by playing another season at Ole Miss than by entering the NFL Draft in 2026.
“If Trinidad is ineligible and is forced to enter the NFL draft, he will likely sustain monetary losses in the millions of dollars,” the lawsuit argues, citing the difference between his current NIL deal and what he might earn as a rookie in the league.
That’s not just legal posturing. NFL mock drafts have started to warm up to Chambliss, with one projection placing him as the No. 34 overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals. For comparison, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough - a second-rounder in 2025 - signed a deal worth around $2.7 million annually.
Chambliss’ current NIL agreement to return to Ole Miss? Reportedly worth over $5 million.
What’s Next
A hearing on the preliminary injunction is scheduled for February 12 at the Calhoun County Courthouse. Until then, the case remains in legal limbo - but the implications stretch far beyond one quarterback’s eligibility.
This isn’t just a fight between a player and the NCAA. It’s a reflection of the evolving landscape of college athletics, where NIL deals, medical hardship claims, and eligibility rules are colliding in ways we haven’t seen before. And for Chambliss, the outcome could shape not only his future, but the precedent for how these cases are handled moving forward.