Trinidad Chambliss Eyes Redemption as Ole Miss Prepares for CFP Clash with Georgia
Trinidad Chambliss has already authored one of the most compelling stories of the college football season. A Division II transfer from Ferris State, Chambliss made the leap to SEC football look seamless, thriving under Lane Kiffin’s guidance and helping Ole Miss punch its ticket to the College Football Playoff. But as the Rebels gear up for a high-stakes rematch with Georgia, Chambliss is navigating unfamiliar territory-both on the field and off it.
With Kiffin now officially at LSU after leading Ole Miss to the CFP, NCAA rules prevent him from communicating with his former players. That includes Chambliss, who confirmed Tuesday that he hasn’t spoken with his former head coach since the transition.
“I don’t think that’s even allowed right now,” Chambliss said when asked about any recent contact with Kiffin.
It’s a strange dynamic for a quarterback who flourished in Kiffin’s system and was often the subject of his coach’s public praise. But if there were any doubts about how Chambliss would perform without Kiffin on the sideline, he silenced them in the Rebels’ CFP opener.
Chambliss Shines Under the Bright Lights
In Ole Miss’ dominant 41-10 win over Tulane, Chambliss delivered a near-flawless performance. He went 23-of-29 through the air for 282 yards, one touchdown, and-most importantly-no interceptions. He added 36 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, showcasing the dual-threat ability that made him such a weapon throughout the regular season.
That kind of efficiency and poise is exactly what you want from your quarterback in the postseason. And it’s a continuation of what he’s done all year. Chambliss closed the regular season with 18 touchdown passes to just three interceptions, proving he’s not just a feel-good transfer story-he’s a legitimate top-tier quarterback.
With speculation already swirling about his future, especially if he’s granted another year of eligibility, Chambliss could become one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal. And yes, LSU would be a natural fit given his connection to Kiffin. But for now, Chambliss is focused on the task at hand: Georgia.
A Shot at Redemption
Ole Miss has just one blemish on its record this season, and it came at the hands of the Bulldogs back on October 18. That game was a back-and-forth battle that saw Chambliss throw for 263 yards and a touchdown while adding 42 rushing yards and two scores. The Rebels ultimately came up short, falling 43-35, but Chambliss hasn’t forgotten how close they were-or how confident they felt.
“I’m very excited to play Georgia again,” Chambliss said Monday. “The first outcome wasn’t the outcome that we wanted. We felt like we were the better team that day and we felt like we should have won that game.”
That confidence wasn’t just talk. Ole Miss went toe-to-toe with one of the most physical teams in the country and nearly pulled off the upset. For Chambliss, the rematch is personal-not in a bitter way, but in the way that drives elite athletes to finish what they started.
“Like I said before, I feel like I’ve got to finish games in the fourth quarter,” he added. “It’s gonna be another dogfight.”
Looking Ahead to New Year’s Day
Chambliss and the Rebels will get their shot at redemption on New Year’s Day, with a trip to the CFP semifinals on the line. It’s a chance to settle unfinished business, not just with Georgia, but with a season that’s already exceeded expectations.
For Chambliss, it’s about more than proving he belongs. It’s about leading a program that believed in him when he made the leap from Division II to the SEC. And if he can deliver one more signature performance, his story might go from remarkable to unforgettable.