Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Trinidad Chambliss: NCAA eligibility fight cost chance at EA video game cover

The fight to keep Trinidad Chambliss on the field is now spilling into a very different kind of scoreboard.

In a court filing Thursday made in the Chancery Court of Lafayette County, Miss., the Ole Miss quarterback said the ongoing uncertainty around his NCAA eligibility cost him a chance to land on the cover of EA Sports’ next college football video game.

Chambliss’ attorneys wrote that, as recently as last week, he was one of three finalists — “if not EA Sports’ favored player” — before the company abruptly pulled back.

According to the filing, Chambliss received a text message Monday explaining the decision. EA Sports “just can’t stomach the risk” of him not being available for the Rebels this fall. The filing argues the damage goes beyond any NIL compensation that would have come with the cover, highlighting the visibility and branding boost that comes from being the face of a flagship game.

“In addition to the NIL compensation which Trinidad would have received for being featured on the cover, Trinidad would have enjoyed heightened notoriety and prestige since the cover shot is considered an honor in college football and in the gaming community,” said Thursday’s filing. “Appearing on the cover would have created organic publicity for Trinidad, enhancing both his marketability and publicity rights.

Being on the cover would have been personally meaningful to Trinidad, who could have shown his cover photo to potential employers and even his children and grandchildren.”

The timing is tied directly to his legal battle. A Mississippi judge granted Chambliss a sixth year of eligibility last month, but the NCAA has asked the state’s supreme court to review that ruling, leaving his status in limbo. Chambliss is now seeking to amend his complaint, arguing that the NCAA’s continued opposition and the uncertainty it creates directly impacted his marketability.

Chambliss starred for Ole Miss last season, passing for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and three interceptions. He added another 527 yards and eight scores on the ground, leading Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff before ultimately falling to Miami in the semifinal.

For Chambliss, it’s a reminder that eligibility disputes not only threaten Saturdays but also impact the business opportunities that now shape college football’s top level. Until the NCAA appeal is resolved, every potential deal comes with an asterisk, and his filing essentially argues that the NCAA isn’t just disputing his roster spot, it’s shrinking the market around him in real time.

–Field Level Media

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss looks over at members of the press during the hearing of Chambliss in his lawsuit against the NCAA at Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Miss., on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Chambliss was granted a preliminary injunction against the NCAA.

NCAA appeals eligibility ruling of Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss

Mississippi’s State Supreme Court holds the fate of Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss in its hands following an appeal of his eligibility status on Thursday.

The NCAA is opposing the February ruling by a judge in Pittsboro, Miss., who granted Chambliss an injunction for an extra year of college eligibility in 2026 due to a medical redshirt in 2022 at Ferris State.

A request by the NCAA to expedite the ruling comes as NFL prospects complete another phase of draft preparation. The 658-page appeal calls on the court to overrule the injunction that granted Chambliss the chance to return to college rather than remain in the 2026 NFL Draft.

“NCAA members and student-athletes will be irreparably harmed in the absence of interlocutory review,” the NCAA filing reads. “The preliminary injunction provides (Chambliss) with an additional year of eligibility that is unavailable to other student-athletes under NCAA bylaws. Under the trial court’s Order, UM will enjoy the benefit of rostering a star quarterback who is no longer eligible to compete. Such an outcome is unfair to DI schools who follow the rules and must compete against UM in the 2026-2027 DI football season or who may be displaced from postseason competition by UM.”

Chambliss, who finished eighth in the 2025 Heisman Trophy race while leading the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals, first had his appeal to play in 2026 denied by the NCAA on Jan. 9.

He was ranked the No. 3 quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft by Field Level Media analysts before receiving an apparent reprieve with a sixth season of eligibility.

Attorneys filed for the injunction granted by Judge Robert Whitwell in Lafayette County Chancery Court. The University of Mississippi is located in Oxford, the county seat for Lafayette.

However, in the NCAA’s response on Thursday, it also claimed Ole Miss had put itself at risk.

“The injunction order threatens harm to UM as rostering an ineligible quarterback risks sanctions under the NCAA’s Rule of Restitution,” the filing read.

The order in February likely enjoined the rule the NCAA is referencing.

Whitwell spoke for more than an hour before declaring in February that Chambliss would receive the injunction. He declared the NCAA showed “bad faith” when denying Chambliss’ appeal by ignoring evidence brought forth by Ferris State doctors.

Chambliss spent his first four college years at Ferris State. He redshirted as a freshman in 2021, appeared in just two games due to injury in 2022 (triggering the belief he merited a medical redshirt) and threw just 33 passes as a backup in 2023 before directing Ferris State to the Div. II national championship in 2024.

The Grand Rapids, Mich., native transferred to Ole Miss in 2025 and became the team’s quarterback in Week 3 after starter Austin Simmons suffered an injury. Chambliss wound up leading the Rebels to a 13-2 season that ended with a 31-27 Fiesta Bowl loss to Miami on Jan. 8.

Chambliss completed 66.1% of his passes for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also rushed for 527 yards and eight scores.

He signed a lucrative NIL deal to return to Ole Miss, but that was placed in jeopardy when his waiver appeal was denied.

The NCAA can appeal Thursday’s decision, so Chambliss isn’t guaranteed to be in uniform when Ole Miss opens the 2026 season against Louisville on either Sept. 5 or 6 in Nashville, Tenn.

The NCAA issued a statement shortly after the injunction was granted:

“This decision in a state court illustrates the impossible situation created by differing court decisions that serve to undermine rules agreed to by the same NCAA members who later challenge them in court. We will continue to defend the NCAA’s eligibility rules against repeated attempts to rob future generations of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create. The NCAA and its member schools are making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes, but the patchwork of state laws and inconsistent, conflicting court decisions make partnering with Congress essential to provide stability for current and future college athletes.”

–Field Level Media

Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) signals a first down after his run against the Miami Hurricanes during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026.

Trinidad Chambliss ruling stokes Ole Miss futures

Ole Miss is still considered a longshot to win the 2026 College Football Playoff, but the Rebels’ chances in the eyes of oddsmakers definitely increased with a judge ruling that quarterback Trinidad Chambliss can play next season.

The Rebels were a +4000 longshot at BetMGM to win next season’s CFP before a judge in Pittsboro, Miss. ruled on Thursday that Chambliss merits one more year of college football eligibility. Following the ruling, Ole Miss’ title odds shortened to +3500 at BetMGM and DraftKings, while FanDuel trimmed the Rebels to +3000.

The Rebels also led all teams with 48% of the total bets and 90% of all money wagered on next season’s national champion backing Ole Miss at BetMGM since the ruling. That included one $5,000 bet at the book backing the Rebels at +3500.

Ole Miss still has only the 14th-shortest title odds at the book with the Rebels behind SEC rivals Texas (+700), Georgia (+900), LSU (+1200), Alabama (+1500), Texas A&M (+1500) and Oklahoma (+3000).

With the potential of the NCAA appealing Thursday’s ruling, Chambliss has not yet been added to the 2025 Heisman Trophy market by any of the three books.

JUDGE: NCAA SHOWED ‘BAD FAITH’
Chambliss, who finished eighth in the 2025 Heisman Trophy race while leading the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals, initially had his appeal to play in 2026 denied by the NCAA on Jan. 9.

That led Chambliss’ lawyers to file for the injunction granted Thursday by Judge Robert Whitwell in Lafayette County Chancery Court. The University of Mississippi is located in Oxford, the county seat for Lafayette.

Whitwell spoke for more than an hour before declaring Chambliss would receive the injunction. He declared the NCAA showed “bad faith” when denying Chambliss’ appeal by ignoring evidence brought forth by Ferris State doctors.

Chambliss spent his first four college years at Ferris State. He redshirted as a freshman in 2021, appeared in just two games due to illness in 2022 (triggering the belief he merited a medical redshirt) and threw just 33 passes as a backup in 2023 before directing Ferris State to the Div. II national championship in 2024.

The Grand Rapids, Mich., native transferred to Ole Miss in 2025 and became the team’s quarterback in Week 3 after starter Austin Simmons suffered an injury. Chambliss wound up leading the Rebels to a 13-2 season that ended with a 31-27 Fiesta Bowl loss to Miami on Jan. 8.

Chambliss completed 66.1% of his passes for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also rushed for 527 yards and eight scores.

He signed a lucrative NIL deal to return to Ole Miss, but that was placed in jeopardy when his waiver appeal was denied.

The NCAA can appeal Thursday’s decision, so Chambliss isn’t guaranteed to be in uniform when Ole Miss opens the 2026 season against Louisville on either Sept. 5 or 6 in Nashville.

The NCAA issued a statement shortly after the injunction was granted:

“This decision in a state court illustrates the impossible situation created by differing court decisions that serve to undermine rules agreed to by the same NCAA members who later challenge them in court. We will continue to defend the NCAA’s eligibility rules against repeated attempts to rob future generations of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create. The NCAA and its member schools are making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes, but the patchwork of state laws and inconsistent, conflicting court decisions make partnering with Congress essential to provide stability for current and future college athletes.”

–Field Level Media

Lafayette County Chancery Court Judge Robert Whitwell, left, questions Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, right, during the hearing in his lawsuit against the NCAA at Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Miss., on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Chambliss is looking for a temporary injunction and a permanent injunction against the NCAA for one more year of eligibility.

Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss granted injunction by Mississippi judge

A judge in Pittsboro, Miss., ruled Thursday that Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss deserved a medical redshirt in 2022 at Ferris State and therefore merits one more year of college football eligibility.

Chambliss, who finished eighth in the 2025 Heisman Trophy race while leading the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals, had his appeal to play in 2026 denied by the NCAA on Jan. 9.

That led Chambliss’ lawyers to file for the injunction granted Thursday by Judge Robert Whitwell in Lafayette County Chancery Court. The University of Mississippi is located in Oxford, the county seat for Lafayette.

Whitwell spoke for more than an hour before declaring Chambliss would receive the injunction. He declared the NCAA showed “bad faith” when denying Chambliss’ appeal by ignoring evidence brought forth by Ferris State doctors.

Chambliss spent his first four college years at Ferris State. He redshirted as a freshman in 2021, appeared in just two games due to injury in 2022 (triggering the belief he merited a medical redshirt) and threw just 33 passes as a backup in 2023 before directing Ferris State to the Div. II national championship in 2024.

The Grand Rapids, Mich., native transferred to Ole Miss in 2025 and became the team’s quarterback in Week 3 after starter Austin Simmons suffered an injury. Chambliss wound up leading the Rebels to a 13-2 season that ended with a 31-27 Fiesta Bowl loss to Miami on Jan. 8.

Chambliss completed 66.1% of his passes for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also rushed for 527 yards and eight scores.

He signed a lucrative NIL deal to return to Ole Miss, but that was placed in jeopardy when his waiver appeal was denied.

The NCAA can appeal Thursday’s decision, so Chambliss isn’t guaranteed to be in uniform when Ole Miss opens the 2026 season against Louisville on either Sept. 5 or 6 in Nashville.

The NCAA issued a statement shortly after the injunction was granted:

“This decision in a state court illustrates the impossible situation created by differing court decisions that serve to undermine rules agreed to by the same NCAA members who later challenge them in court. We will continue to defend the NCAA’s eligibility rules against repeated attempts to rob future generations of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create. The NCAA and its member schools are making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes, but the patchwork of state laws and inconsistent, conflicting court decisions make partnering with Congress essential to provide stability for current and future college athletes.”

–Field Level Media

Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) signals a first down after his run against the Miami Hurricanes during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026.

Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss’ appeal for 6th season denied by NCAA

Trinidad Chambliss was already prepared for more bad news from the NCAA. On Wednesday, that news became official.

Ole Miss confirmed its star quarterback lost his appeal to the NCAA for sixth year of eligibility, meaning Chambliss’ next step will be in Mississippi state court.

The NCAA on Jan. 9 initially denied Chambliss’ request for a waiver to receive a medical redshirt after he argued that persistent respiratory issues prevented him from playing in 2022 when he was a redshirt freshman at Division II Ferris State.

His performance as an Ole Miss senior transfer in 2025 helped spark the 13-2 Rebels’ run to the College Football Playoff, which ended with a 31-27 semifinal loss to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8.

Part of the NCAA’s ruling in denying the appeal included the finding that adequate medical evidence from a treating physician wasn’t provided in the waiver request.

After the initial denial of the waiver, Chambliss’ attorneys filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, requesting an injunction that would allow Chambliss to play in 2026. Denial of the appeal was widely expected.

Ole Miss issued a statement after news of the ruling was made public Wednesday, stating in part, “The NCAA Athletics Eligibility Subcommittee’s decision to deny Trinidad’s appeal is indefensible in light of the undisputed facts. … he did not dress for a single game (in 2022) while suffering from severe, incapacitating medical conditions. Those conditions were fully and contemporaneously documented by his treating physician, yet this waiver request was still denied when it should have been approved at the NCAA staff level.”

The lawsuit filed on Chambliss’ behalf stated, “In Trinidad’s case, the NCAA failed in its mission to foster his well-being and development as a student-athlete. The mechanisms (i.e., waiver rules) for granting Trinidad an additional year of eligibility — so that he has the opportunity to compete in four years of college football — are available and within the NCAA’s control.

“Despite the duty of good faith and fair dealing it owes Trinidad, the NCAA insists on considering the evidence in Trinidad’s case in an isolated, rather than comprehensive, manner; interpreting its rules to impose requirements not contained therein; taking unreasonable if not irrational positions; and acting in an arbitrary and capricious manner in its decision-making and ruling.”

According to reports, Chambliss’ initial hearing for the injunction is expected to take place in Feb. 12 in Chancery Court of Lafayette County in Mississippi.

The Grand Rapids, Mich., product finished eighth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy. He intended to return to Ole Miss next season had his waiver been approved, with ESPN reporting that his NIL deal with incentives to be worth more than $6 million.

If he ultimately does not get the sixth year, Chambliss would enter the NFL draft.

He threw for 3,937 yards (third in the nation) on 66.1% passing last season, with 22 touchdown tosses and three interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Dabo Swinney accusses Ole Miss’ Pete Golding of ‘blatant’ tampering

Clemson football coach Dabo Sweeney denounced Ole Miss coach Pete Golding for allegedly direct tampering with a Tigers player, calling for changes to the current system of college football transfers which he said is “a really sad state of affairs.”

Swinney’s comments came during an hour-long press conference Friday in which he discussed a complaint Clemson filed with the NCAA alleging Golding committed “blatant” and “straightforward” tampering. It came after alleged attempts to lure Clemson’s Luke Ferrelli to Ole Miss after the linebacker had already agreed to a revenue-sharing contract with the Tigers, enrolled in and attended classes, started offseason workouts on campus, rented an apartment and bought a car.

“This is a whole other level of tampering,” Swinney said of the communications between Golding, Ole Miss and Ferrelli. “It’s total hypocrisy. … We have a broken system, and if there are no consequences for tampering, then we have no rules and we have no governance.”

After showing star potential as a freshman at Cal, Ferrelli entered the transfer portal in January and was courted by Clemson and Ole Miss, with Ferrelli signing a contract with Clemson on Jan. 7.

Swinney alleges that Clemson general manager Jordan Sorrells was alerted by Ferrelli’s agent that starting Jan. 14, Ferrelli began receiving communications from Ole Miss to switch allegiances. Those communications allegedly included phone calls from Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and former Ole Miss and current New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Swinney said that at his request, Sorrells reached out to Ole Miss general manager Austin Thomas to cease communications with Ferrelli.

On Jan. 15, Ferrelli started the day assuring Clemson he was staying put but by the end of the day he requested to enter the portal to transfer to Ole Miss.

Swinney filed a complaint with the NCAA on Jan. 16 alleging “blatant” and “straightforward” tampering by Ole Miss. Clemson athletic director Graham Neff said if no resolution is reached by the NCAA, the school will consider further legal action.

“I’m not trying to get anybody fired, but when is enough enough?” Swinney said. “If we have rules, and tampering is a rule, then there should be a consequence for that. And shame on the adults if we’re not going to hold each other accountable.”

The Ferrelli situation is one of several high-profile controversies surrounding the transfer portal. Duke quarterback Darian Mensah is being sued by the school for breach of contract for his attempts to enter the transfer portal for a potential spot at Miami after agreeing to play for the Blue Devils. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. attempted to back out of a contract with Washington before ultimately returning to the Huskies.

Swinney shared numerous ideas for improving the landscape of college football, including a better revenue-sharing system that would withhold a percentage of money earned until graduation or turning 25 as an attempt to prevent long-term financial problems for players. He even suggested collective bargaining as a better alternative to the current system.

“If we don’t act about these current transfer rules, we’re going to look up in five or six years and see a mass of players without degrees who’ll have spent their short-term money. We’re going to have a bunch of screwed-up 30-year-olds,” Swinney said. “I believe college football is set up to reward the 2% that have a chance to make it to the NFL. As adults, we should know better and do better for the 98 percent of college football players who won’t play in the NFL.”

Swinney also suggested moving the portal window to the spring and limiting free transfers to one per player unless a head coach leaves or the player graduates.

–Field Level Media

Ole Miss star Princewill Umanmielen joins LSU, former coach

Ole Miss star edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen has elected to transfer to LSU and play for former Rebels coach Lane Kiffin, according to published reports.

Umanmielen posted a report from On3 to his Instagram page that showed him in an LSU uniform.

Umanmielen decided to transfer after the Ole Miss season ended with a 31-27 loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Jan. 8. He had four tackles and a sack in the contest.

Umanmielen had 45 tackles (including 13 for loss), nine sacks and one interception in 15 games for the Rebels last season.

It was his lone season at Ole Miss after playing two seasons for Nebraska.

His older brother, Princely, was a rookie for the Carolina Panthers this season. He split his college career between Florida (2020-23) and Ole Miss (2024).

Umanmielen is the fourth Ole Miss player to follow Kiffin to LSU. The others are linebacker TJ Dottery, offensive lineman Devin Harper and receiver Winston Watkins Jr.

–Field Level Media

Ole Miss WR Cayden Lee enters transfer portal

Ole Miss receiver Cayden Lee announced Saturday afternoon that he’s entered the transfer portal.

Lee recorded 106 receptions for 1,623 yards and seven touchdowns over three seasons with the Rebels. This season, he had 44 catches for 635 yards and three touchdowns for a team that finished 13-2 and lost to Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

“I have made the difficult decision to enter the college football transfer portal,” Lee said on social media. “Leaving Ole Miss was never even a consideration, but circumstances beyond my control have prompted me to take this past as I consider my senior season.”

Lee didn’t specify what circumstances led him to enter the portal. It’s worth noting that former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is now the head coach at rival LSU.

He said he will miss the school and his teammates.

“Oxford has given me so many unforgettable moments, has triumphed through major adversity and had unbelievable success,” Lee said. “I leave my heart with this community and with my brothers! These relationships are forever.”

–Field Level Media

Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss sues NCAA for 6th year of eligibility

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ legal representation filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Mississippi on Friday, asking for an injunction which would make Chambliss eligible to return to the Rebels in 2026.

Chambliss, who began his career at Division II Ferris State, transferred to Ole Miss ahead of the 2025 season and led the Rebels to a program-record 13 wins and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance.

The NCAA denied Chambliss’ waiver request for a sixth year of collegiate eligibility on Jan. 9. Chambliss didn’t play in 2022 at Ferris State, citing persistent respiratory issues, but the NCAA ruled that adequate medical evidence from a treating physician wasn’t provided in the waiver request.

“In Trinidad’s case, the NCAA failed in its mission to foster his well-being and development as a student-athlete,” the lawsuit says. “The mechanisms (i.e., waiver rules) for granting Trinidad an additional year of eligibility — so that he has the opportunity to compete in four years of college football — are available and within the NCAA’s control.

“Despite the duty of good faith and fair dealing it owes Trinidad, the NCAA insists on considering the evidence in Trinidad’s case in an isolated, rather than comprehensive, manner; interpreting its rules to impose requirements not contained therein; taking unreasonable if not irrational positions; and acting in an arbitrary and capricious manner in its decision-making and ruling.”

Chambliss led the Bulldogs to a D2 national championship in 2024 before completing 66.1% of his passes for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and three interceptions with 527 rushing yards and eight scores for the Rebels. He finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.

While Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin left before the playoff run to take the head coaching vacancy at LSU, Chambliss had already signed to return to Ole Miss under new coach Pete Golding for a deal reportedly worth as much as $6 million including incentives before his waiver request was denied.

–Field Level Media

Reports: Miami throws $6.5M offer at draft-bound QB Ty Simpson

Multiple programs are attempting to entice Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with top-dollar offers to delay his decision to enter the NFL draft, according to multiple reports.

The Tuscaloosa News reported Simpson, who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft last week, has not yet filed his paperwork to officially enter the draft but did accept an invitation to the Senior Bowl. As of Monday afternoon, Simpson had not entered the college football transfer portal.

Multiple reports claim Simpson has a $6.5 million offer on the table from Miami, and both Ole Miss and Tennessee put up $4 million offers for the 2026 season. USA Today reported Simpson was offered $4 million by Miami but “within minutes” the Hurricanes increased the payout.

Miami signed transfer Carson Beck to lead the Hurricanes in 2025. With an appearance in the national championship game on deck, the Hurricanes don’t have a 2026 starter locked in but will make $20 million for their playoff showing.

Beck reportedly made $4 million in NIL and approximately $10 million total — through agreements with brands such as Beats by Dre, Chipotle, Airstar Charter — since leaving Georgia.

A projected 2026 first-round pick, Simpson led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff in his first season as a starter in 2025. The redshirt junior took over after three years in a backup role when Jalen Milroe decided to head for the NFL because it was time to “chase my dreams.”

Field Level Media rates Simpson as a top three quarterback along with Oregon’s Dante Moore and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. All three would likely be in the mix in the top 20 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

If Simpson is drafted 20th overall, for example, he would be in line for a four-year contract worth $18 million-$21 million fully guaranteed. As the No. 10 pick, Simpson would make a projected $26 million-$29 million guaranteed with a signing bonus of $16 million.

Simpson passed for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions in 15 games in 2025.

–Field Level Media