Trinidad Chambliss Battles NCAA for Sixth Year While NFL Draft Stock Climbs
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is in the middle of a high-stakes offseason - and not just because of the NFL Draft buzz. The standout signal-caller is currently fighting for a sixth year of NCAA eligibility, citing respiratory issues that sidelined him during his time at Ferris State in 2022. A court hearing for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA’s denial of his medical hardship waiver is set for February 12, and he's also waiting on the outcome of his official appeal.
If the legal and appeals process doesn’t go his way, Chambliss is expected to pivot toward the 2026 NFL Draft - and he won’t be entering quietly. With several top college quarterbacks like Dante Moore, Arch Manning, and Sam Leavitt opting to return to school, Chambliss has quickly become one of the more intriguing names in this year’s quarterback class.
Draft Stock on the Rise
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his eligibility, Chambliss is already generating real buzz among NFL evaluators. A number of draft analysts have him pegged as a top-four quarterback in the 2026 class, and some believe he could come off the board as early as the second round.
One of the few mock drafts to include Chambliss at this stage is from The Athletic, where he’s projected to go 34th overall to the Arizona Cardinals - a spot that suggests teams see real upside in his game. ESPN’s Matt Miller hasn’t slotted him into the top two rounds just yet, but did mention Chambliss as a potential fit for the Cleveland Browns at pick No. 24 if they decide to target a quarterback early. Meanwhile, Mel Kiper Jr. hasn’t included Chambliss in his latest mock either, but he’s keeping him on the radar for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 or the Los Angeles Rams on Day 2.
Where the Big Boards Have Him
Even if the mock drafts haven’t fully caught up, the big boards are taking notice. Kiper ranks Chambliss as the No. 3 quarterback in the class - a strong endorsement considering the depth of talent returning to school.
Pro Football Focus echoes that sentiment, also slotting him third among quarterbacks and 67th overall. CBS Sports has him at No. 3 among QBs and 116th overall, while Bleacher Report lists him as the No. 4 quarterback and 75th overall prospect.
Those rankings suggest that Chambliss is more than just a system guy or a flash-in-the-pan. He’s viewed as a legitimate NFL-caliber quarterback with tools that translate.
A Breakout Year in Oxford
Chambliss made the most of his lone season at Ole Miss after transferring from Ferris State, leading the Rebels to a 13-2 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. His numbers speak for themselves: 3,937 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, just three interceptions, and a 66% completion rate. He added 527 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground, showing off the kind of dual-threat ability that today’s NFL craves.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed. Chambliss was named SEC Newcomer of the Year, earned second-team All-SEC honors, and even cracked the top 10 in Heisman Trophy voting, finishing eighth.
What’s Next?
For now, Chambliss is in limbo - waiting on a legal ruling and an NCAA decision that could determine whether he gets one more shot at college football or begins his NFL journey this spring. Either way, he’s positioned himself well. Whether it’s in Oxford for one more run or shaking hands with Roger Goodell in April, Chambliss has proven he belongs in the conversation with the top quarterbacks in the country.
And if his 2025 season is any indication, we haven’t seen the last of what he can do.