Trinidad Chambliss Returns After First-Half Injury Scare in CFP Clash vs. Tulane
In a tense College Football Playoff showdown between Ole Miss and Tulane, the Rebels saw a brief but concerning moment when starting quarterback Trinidad Chambliss exited late in the first half after taking a hard hit on an 11-yard scramble. Chambliss’s helmet bounced off the turf as he went down, prompting immediate medical attention and a concussion evaluation on the sideline.
With just 43 seconds left before halftime and Ole Miss holding a 17-3 lead, Chambliss was pulled from the game and taken to the injury tent. He remained there for about four minutes before rejoining the sideline, where he stayed through the break. The Rebels’ offense didn’t return to the field before halftime, leaving the quarterback’s status uncertain heading into the third quarter.
But any lingering doubts were quickly put to rest when Chambliss trotted back onto the field to open the second half.
Before the injury scare, Chambliss had been sharp and efficient, completing 13 of 16 passes for 167 yards. He didn't throw a touchdown or an interception, but he added a rushing score and managed the offense with poise. His ability to stay composed under pressure and spread the ball around had kept the Tulane defense on its heels for much of the first half.
In his absence, backup quarterback Austin Simmons briefly stepped in. Simmons, who began the season as the Rebels’ starter before suffering an ankle injury in Week 2 against Kentucky, had to shake off some rust quickly.
He completed two passes but was sacked and lost a fumble to end the drive. It was a tough spot to be thrown into, especially in a playoff environment, but Simmons showed flashes of the talent that earned him the starting job earlier in the year.
Simmons entered the game having completed 41 of 70 passes on the season for 680 yards, with four touchdowns and five interceptions. While Chambliss has since taken over the starting role and led the Rebels through the back half of the season, Simmons remains a capable option if called upon.
Chambliss’s return to start the second half is a big sigh of relief for Ole Miss fans-and a sign that the Rebels’ offense can stay on track as they continue their push for a spot in the national championship game.