Lane Kiffin’s first major challenge at LSU isn’t about installing his high-octane offense - it’s about finding someone to run it. And right now, that search just hit a serious snag.
After walking away from an 11-1 season at Ole Miss - and arguably the best quarterback in the SEC - Kiffin was immediately linked to the idea of bringing Trinidad Chambliss with him to Baton Rouge. On paper, it made perfect sense.
LSU needs a quarterback. Chambliss is one of the hottest names in the country.
The connection was obvious. But on Sunday, Chambliss slammed the door shut.
At Sugar Bowl media day in New Orleans, Chambliss was asked point-blank if he’d had any contact with Kiffin since the coaching change. His response?
Direct and definitive: “I haven’t talked to Kiffin at all,” he told reporters. Then came the kicker: “I don’t think that’s even allowed right now.”
That’s about as clear as it gets.
Chambliss isn’t just staying put - he’s thriving. Under new head coach Pete Golding, the Ole Miss quarterback lit up Tulane in the playoff opener, accounting for three touchdowns - two on the ground, one through the air - and leading an offense that racked up nearly 500 yards. Now, he’s got a Sugar Bowl clash with Georgia on New Year’s Day and a potential sixth year of eligibility hanging in the balance.
Meanwhile, LSU’s quarterback room is in shambles. The Tigers are down to one scholarship quarterback: Michael Van Buren.
That’s it. Garrett Nussmeier declared for the NFL Draft after five seasons, and Colin Hurley hit the transfer portal back in November.
And even Van Buren doesn’t sound fully locked in.
The sophomore took over late in the season after Nussmeier’s up-and-down campaign came to a close. He held his own in four starts and the Texas Bowl, but when asked about his future in Baton Rouge, his answer raised eyebrows: “Things are good right now, so I’m going to go home, I’m gonna sit on it, and we’re going to see.”
Translation: He’s not ruling anything out.
That leaves Kiffin - one of the most creative offensive minds in college football - without a trigger man. He reportedly pushed hard to coach Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff before the school said no. Now, he’s watching from the outside as his former quarterback gears up for a New Year’s Day showdown, while his new program tries to piece together a quarterback room that’s hanging by a thread.
Kiffin’s offense has never lacked for fireworks. But even the best playbook needs a quarterback to bring it to life. And right now, LSU doesn’t have one.