Ole Miss Football Faces Tumultuous Offseason: Chambliss Lawsuit, Tampering Allegations, and Storm Cleanup
The calendar may have flipped to February, but the headlines out of Oxford haven’t cooled off one bit. Since Ole Miss wrapped up its deepest-ever College Football Playoff run with a Fiesta Bowl appearance on Jan. 8, the Rebels have found themselves at the center of multiple storylines-on the field, in the courtroom, and even in the weather report.
Let’s break down everything swirling around the program right now, from their star quarterback’s legal battle with the NCAA to a high-profile tampering accusation and the aftermath of a damaging ice storm.
Trinidad Chambliss vs. the NCAA: A Fight for One More Year
Trinidad Chambliss, the Rebels' standout quarterback and the face of their 2025 campaign, is now taking his fight for a final year of eligibility to court. After the NCAA denied his waiver request for a medical redshirt stemming from his 2022 season at Ferris State, Chambliss is suing in an effort to get that year back.
His argument? That the respiratory issues and throat infections he battled throughout the 2022 season should qualify him for a medical redshirt.
Ole Miss has already filed an appeal of the NCAA’s initial denial, which came down on Jan. 9.
Now, with a hearing for a preliminary injunction set for Feb. 12 in Calhoun County, the legal clock is ticking.
If the NCAA reverses course and grants the redshirt before that date, the lawsuit could be dropped. But until then, Chambliss is preparing for a courtroom showdown that could determine whether he suits up in 2026.
Tampering Allegations: Clemson vs. Ole Miss
As if the Chambliss situation wasn’t enough, Ole Miss is also dealing with tampering allegations leveled by Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. And Swinney didn’t mince words.
At a Jan. 23 press conference, Swinney accused Ole Miss of contacting linebacker Luke Ferrelli while he was still enrolled at Clemson. Ferrelli had transferred to Clemson from Cal, only to leave shortly after for Oxford.
Swinney claims that Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding sent Ferrelli a text during an 8 a.m. class that read, “I know you're signed. What's the buyout?”-accompanied by a photo of a $1 million contract.
If true, that would be a clear violation of NCAA bylaw 13.1.1.4, which prohibits contact with players enrolled at another institution. Past cases have resulted in suspensions, fines, and recruiting restrictions. Clemson has confirmed it's been in contact with the NCAA about the matter, and while Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter declined to comment, the situation is being closely monitored.
Storm Damage in The Grove: Cleanup Underway
While the off-field drama continues, Mother Nature added her own twist to the Rebels’ offseason. An ice storm on Jan. 24 brought campus activity to a halt, causing significant damage and forcing the university to close until Feb. 8.
The iconic Grove-home to one of college football’s most legendary tailgating scenes-took a hit. Falling limbs damaged several trees, sparking concerns about the long-term impact on the campus's signature green space.
In an open letter, Chancellor Glenn Boyce provided an update, noting that roughly 95% of the trees in the Grove and the Circle held up well. However, older trees that lost significant portions of their canopy or suffered structural splits may need to be removed. The university has committed to planting a new tree for every one that’s taken down, with cleanup expected to stretch into the coming weeks.
That’s good news for Rebel fans already eyeing the 2026 home opener on Sept. 12 against Charlotte. While the Grove may look a little different this fall, the school is clearly prioritizing both safety and tradition as it works to restore one of the most cherished parts of game day in Oxford.
What’s Next for Ole Miss?
With a court date looming for Chambliss, the NCAA potentially investigating tampering claims, and a major campus cleanup underway, Ole Miss is navigating one of its most eventful offseasons in recent memory.
But if there’s one thing this program has shown-especially after a breakthrough College Football Playoff run-it’s resilience. Whether it’s in the courtroom, the compliance office, or under the oaks of The Grove, the Rebels are battling on every front.
And come September, all eyes will be back on the field.