Ole Miss Football Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss Reveals Latest on Waiver Process

Chambliss is seeking an additional season of eligibility, waiting for results on waiver that was applied for in November.

Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) scrambles with the ball under pressure from Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Daylen Everette (6) in the fourth quarter during the 2025 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is eyeing an additional season of eligibility with the program's All-SEC signal-caller applying for a waiver in November.

Chambliss made the move from Division II Ferris State last offseason where he's quickly taken America by storm across his first season in the Southeastern Conference at Ole Miss.

The first-year Rebel has lifted a dominant Ole Miss offense that led the SEC while ranking third nationally in both total offense (498.1 yards per game) and passing offense (309.6 yards per game), as well as third in the conference and 11th nationally in scoring (37.3 points per game).

Across the 2025 regular season, Chambliss went 218-of-333 (65.5 percent) passing for 3,016 yards, 18 touchdowns and just three interceptions and an efficiency rating of 157.6 after emerging as the starter in Week 3.

But he remains in pursuit of an extra season of college football.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) and defensive lineman Will Echoles (52) interact with the fans after the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Ole Miss defeated Georgia 39-34. Chambliss and Echoles won most outstanding player for offense and defense respectively. | Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

For Chambliss, the issue is complex, but the gist is that he is asking for a medical redshirt for the 2022 season when he was at Ferris State. (He took a traditional redshirt season during his true freshman year there in 2021.)

He did not play in any games in 2022 "as he dealt with persistent respiratory issues that ultimately led to surgery to remove his tonsils," according to ESPN.

While a waiver is still being pursued and there’s nothing final yet, there’s some pessimism at the moment that Ole Miss star QB Trinidad Chambliss will ultimately be granted an additional year of eligibility, sources tell me and @chris_hummer pic.twitter.com/BggvwYO9GD

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 4, 2026

“I feel like my case is very strong,” Chambliss said on Tuesday, via the Clarion Ledger. “I don’t see a reason why they should deny it, frankly. I have a lot to back up what I’m stating, what I’m putting in front of them. It’s up to the NCAA. Out of my control. I have all my faith in Jesus Christ.”

“I deserve it,” Chambliss said. “I’ve only played three seasons of college football. I feel like I deserve to play four. I redshirted in 2021. That was my freshman redshirt. Then I medically redshirted in 2022. Played in 2023, 2024 and this is 2025.”

Now, ESPN has revealed a new update on Chambliss as his camp continues seeking an answer with the waiver process remaining in limbo.

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel: "Ole Miss has filed another letter to the NCAA on behalf of Trinidad Chambliss' medical redshirt waiver request for a 6th year. The letter, via attorney Tom Mars, says in part:

"'Based on the 'objective evidence' submitted by Ole Miss, it would be absurd for the Committee to conclude that 91 pages of medical records and a detailed letter from Trinidad’s treating physician do not constitute 'other appropriate medical documentation' within the meaning of Bylaw 12.6.4.2.2.

"There's high stakes for Chambliss with the NCAA decision. He would be among the top players in the NCAA transfer portal and command millions for 2026 if he's allowed another year of eligibility."

Ole Miss has filed another letter to the NCAA on behalf of Trinidad Chambliss' medical redshirt waiver request for a 6th year. The letter, via attorney Tom Mars, says in part: "Based on the 'objective evidence' submitted by Ole Miss, it would be absurd for the Committee to... pic.twitter.com/AqiUVaVPOm

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 4, 2026

It's a significant development in the pursuit of an extra season for Chambliss as he continues navigating a historic season in Oxford.

When asked if he has heard anything from the NCAA on Sunday, Chambliss revealed that he is yet to hear back regarding a decision, but there is "pessimism" in the chances to get the waiver, according to CBS Sports.

"While a waiver is still being pursued and there’s nothing final yet, there’s some pessimism at the moment that Ole Miss star QB Trinidad Chambliss will ultimately be granted an additional year of eligibility," CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz wrote via X.

Ole Miss will head to Glendale (Ariz.) this upcoming week for a College Football Playoff semifinals showdown against the Miami Hurricanes with Chambliss looking to cancel out the noise and punch a ticket to the National Championship.

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