Steelers’ QB Search Hits a Snag as Trinidad Chambliss Fights for NCAA Eligibility
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the offseason with a clear goal: find their quarterback of the future. While there's still a slim chance they convince Aaron Rodgers to run it back for one more season under Mike McCarthy, the more likely scenario involves a pivot to the NFL Draft. And that’s where things get complicated.
One name that had been on Pittsburgh’s radar is Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss - a late bloomer with a fascinating backstory and plenty of upside. But just as scouts were gearing up to evaluate him as a potential Day 2 pick, Chambliss threw a curveball: he’s suing the NCAA for one more year of college eligibility.
Chambliss’ Unusual Path to the Draft
Chambliss isn’t your typical SEC quarterback. He spent most of his college career at Division II Ferris State before transferring to Ole Miss, where he arrived as a backup to Austin Simmons.
But when Simmons faltered, Chambliss stepped in and made the most of his opportunity - throwing for 22 touchdowns against just three interceptions. That kind of production, especially considering his unconventional path, had draft rooms buzzing.
Still, despite the numbers and the buzz, Chambliss wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine - a surprising omission for a quarterback projected to go on Day 2. The likely reason?
His ongoing legal battle with the NCAA. Chambliss is seeking a temporary injunction that would allow him to return to college football in 2026, arguing that medical issues in 2022 - a season he says he didn’t play due to mishandled health concerns - should qualify him for an extra year of eligibility.
What This Means for Pittsburgh
The Steelers had every reason to be interested. Chambliss brings a strong arm, good size, and the kind of chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that tends to resonate in Pittsburgh. With McCarthy looking to mold a young passer in his system, Chambliss could’ve been an ideal mid-round target - a developmental prospect with starter-level potential.
But if his lawsuit is successful and he returns to Ole Miss, Pittsburgh loses a promising option in a quarterback class that’s already thin beyond the top tier.
If Not Chambliss, Then Who?
With Chambliss potentially off the board, the Steelers may have to dig deeper. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier stands out as a possible fallback in the mid-rounds.
He’s shown flashes of high-level play and could be a fit in McCarthy’s offense. Beyond that, the options get murkier.
Penn State’s Drew Allar and Miami’s Carson Beck have talent, but each comes with enough question marks that investing significant draft capital would be a gamble. And unless Pittsburgh is ready to take a big swing in Round 1 - perhaps on Alabama’s Ty Simpson - they could find themselves boxed out of this year’s quarterback market.
Free Agency Not Offering Much Help
The free agent class isn’t doing the Steelers any favors either. With few quality veterans available and no clear bridge option on the horizon, Pittsburgh’s best bet may still be the draft. But with Chambliss in limbo and the top prospects likely off the board by the time they pick, the Steelers are staring down a tough reality.
Unless something breaks their way - whether it’s a surprise faller in the draft or a sudden change in Chambliss’ eligibility - Pittsburgh could be left scrambling for answers at the game’s most important position.
For now, the Steelers’ quarterback search remains wide open. And with each twist in the Chambliss saga, the path forward only gets more complicated.