NCAA Denies Trinidad Chambliss’ Sixth-Year Waiver, Opening the Door for Deuce Knight at Ole Miss
The NCAA has made its decision, and it's a big one for the quarterback landscape in Oxford. Ole Miss signal-caller Trinidad Chambliss has officially been denied eligibility for a sixth year, a ruling that could shift the spotlight squarely onto Auburn transfer Deuce Knight heading into the 2026 season.
According to reports, the NCAA’s athletics eligibility subcommittee turned down Ole Miss’ appeal for Chambliss to receive a medical redshirt, stemming from a season he missed earlier in his career at Ferris State. The school has been informed of the decision, and Chambliss’ legal team isn’t backing down just yet. They’ve filed for an injunction in Mississippi state court, with a hearing scheduled for February 12 in Chancery Court.
So while Chambliss continues to fight for one more shot at college football, the Rebels may already be looking toward the future-and that future could be Deuce Knight.
A Potential Shift at QB in Oxford
Knight, a former Auburn Tiger, redshirted in 2025 during his lone season on the Plains. He never saw significant playing time, stuck behind Jackson Arnold and Ashton Daniels-two quarterbacks who had their moments but never quite seized full control of the offense. Knight’s number was never called, despite flashes of potential that had many wondering what might’ve been.
Now, with Chambliss sidelined-at least for the moment-Knight could be next in line. And it’s not just about filling a roster spot; this is a real opportunity for Knight to take the reins of a program that’s been on the fringe of contention.
Let’s not forget: Chambliss was the guy who helped lead Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff semifinals. That’s no small résumé.
Replacing that kind of leadership and production won’t be easy. But Knight brings a different kind of intrigue-untapped upside, a fresh start, and a chance to prove what he can do with a full playbook and a coaching staff willing to invest in his development.
A Missed Opportunity at Auburn
Looking back, it’s fair to wonder what might’ve happened if Knight had gotten a real shot at Auburn. Head coach Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator DJ Durkin never gave him the keys, even when the offense sputtered. Jackson Arnold struggled with consistency, and while Ashton Daniels held things together, he never fully elevated the unit.
Knight’s redshirt preserved his eligibility, but it also left a lot of questions unanswered. Could his presence have changed the course of Auburn’s season?
Would a stronger finish have secured Durkin’s position as full-time head coach? We’ll never know.
But what we do know is that Knight is now in a position to answer those questions in a different uniform.
What This Means for Ole Miss
Head coach Pete Golding may not have expected to hand the offense over to Knight this early, but the circumstances may leave him no choice. With Chambliss in limbo and a talented but still-developing roster around him, Knight could be thrust into a leadership role sooner than expected.
There’s a lot riding on how this plays out. If Knight can step in and command the offense, he has a chance to not only solidify his own future but also keep Ole Miss in the thick of the SEC race. The tools are there-athleticism, arm strength, and a hunger to prove himself after a year on the sidelines.
And while Chambliss’ legal battle continues, the Rebels can’t afford to wait. Spring ball is around the corner, and the quarterback room needs clarity. Right now, all signs point to Knight being the guy.
Bigger Picture: NCAA Eligibility and the Changing Landscape
Chambliss’ case also highlights the broader conversation around NCAA eligibility rules. Every year, we see players granted sixth or even seventh seasons for various reasons-medical hardships, COVID exemptions, and more.
Chambliss, who played a key role in a Playoff run, seems like the kind of player who’d get the benefit of the doubt. Yet here we are.
It’s a reminder that the NCAA’s decisions aren’t always consistent, and that the legal system is becoming a bigger factor in determining who gets to play and who doesn’t. With federal regulation of NIL and revenue-sharing on the horizon, the landscape is shifting fast. And players like Chambliss are caught in the middle of that change.
The Bottom Line
For now, the focus in Oxford turns to Deuce Knight. He’s waited his turn, and now he may get the shot he’s been looking for. The Rebels have talent, a coaching staff in transition, and a quarterback room that just got a little clearer.
If Knight can seize the moment, he might just write the next chapter in Ole Miss football history-and it could be a big one.