It’s quite unfortunate timing.
Just a day after Ole Miss faced a loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals, multiple reports emerged indicating that Trinidad Chambliss’ request for a six-year exemption was denied. Yahoo Sports also mentioned that his attorney had prepared a lawsuit, while ESPN reported Ole Miss plans to appeal the decision.
“This is a chance to bring this case to a fair ground where Trinidad’s rights will be decided by the Mississippi judiciary, rather than by bureaucrats in Indianapolis who I feel don’t really understand the legalities or what’s right,” stated Tom Mars, Chambliss’ attorney. “Whether to pursue this course is ultimately up to Trinidad and his parents.”
The exemption request, verbally denied last month, was submitted because Chambliss will sit out the 2022 season at Ferris State due to, you know, “persistent respiratory issues,” according to ESPN.
This news essentially wraps up the college career of the 23-year-old after spending four years at Division II Ferris State, followed by his final stint with the Rebels. Under Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., he had really thrived, prior to transferring to LSU. He was supposed to make a return for the 2026 season, assuming he was granted additional eligibility.
In a way, the NCAA’s official ruling acts as a litmus test for how his recent postseason performance has influenced any potential NFL prospects.
This season, Chambliss threw for 3,937 yards, accumulated 22 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, including 277 yards and one touchdown in the Rebels’ 31-27 defeat against the Hurricanes during the Fiesta Bowl.
He completed 67 percent of his passes in three CFP games against Tulane, Georgia, and Miami, totaling 985 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Chambliss managed to connect with Dequan Wright for a touchdown with a little over three minutes left, putting them ahead 27-24. However, his final attempt fell short after what some deemed a controversial no-call on a Hail Mary, while Carson Beck drove down the field, finishing with a 3-yard touchdown run just 18 seconds remaining.
“This team has given a lot to reach this point,” Chambliss shared post-game. “There have been ups and downs this season, a lot happening, but we remained focused. It was special in many ways.”
Looking ahead, Chambliss’ next games might be in the NFL, unless a potential lawsuit changes the current ballpark.
He’s set to join a quarterback class likely featuring Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore.
