Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has received approval for a sixth season in college football after a Mississippi judge dismissed the NCAA’s appeal against his eligibility.
The NCAA had previously denied Chambliss’ request for an additional year on January 9, claiming he didn’t offer sufficient documentation showing he and his team experienced a “disabling injury or illness” while he was unable to play for Division II Ferris State in 2022 due to respiratory issues.
In response, Chambliss filed a lawsuit against the NCAA. Last month, a judge determined that the NCAA acted unfairly in an attempt to bar him from the upcoming season, although the NCAA has since appealed this ruling.
The organization argued that Chambliss had already “exhausted his eligibility” by playing four out of five seasons in Division I.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss is currently striving for advancement in the College Football Playoff, having faced a nail-biting 31-27 loss to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8.
The situation has been complicated by Lane Kiffin’s recent decision to accept a head coaching role at LSU. This decision stirred controversy, particularly when Athletic Director Keith Carter stated that Kiffin wouldn’t be able to coach the team during the playoffs if he left, which sparked discussions among players regarding the locker room atmosphere.
Despite the turmoil, some coaching staff, including Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis, were reportedly caught navigating between roles with LSU and Ole Miss during the playoff contests.
The Rebels and Tigers are set to clash in Oxford in Week 3.
