College Football Playoff Preview
In Thursday’s College Football Playoff, two quarterbacks are likely to be top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, while another aimed to secure his position as the potential QB3. Fernando Mendoza put in a solid performance, and Dante Moore helped Oregon push against Texas Tech’s tough defense, while Indiana managed to fend off Alabama.
So, did we witness the rise of an unexpected QB3?
University of Alabama’s Ty Simpson had generated buzz for weeks as a top candidate for the third quarterback spot in the draft. He faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first round’s second half. However, Simpson had a rough outing against Indiana, leaving the game early after a hard hit.
Following this, we moved to the Sugar Bowl.
After a loss to Ole Miss 21-12 previously, they returned to defeat Georgia, 39-34, turning the tables in this SEC rematch. This comeback propelled Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss into the spotlight. Assuming the starting role earlier this season, he completed 30 of 46 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns during the game.
What truly mattered, though, was not just the stats—it’s how Chambliss led his team during this crucial matchup.
One standout moment was a throw to Harrison Wallace early in the fourth quarter.
Forced out of the pocket by Georgia’s aggressive rush, Chambliss rolled to his right and launched a deep ball, hitting Wallace perfectly deep in enemy territory. He completed the throw from the Ole Miss 25-yard line, finding Wallace in stride over a defender at the Bulldogs’ 30-yard line.
Down in the Sugar Bowl, the stakes were high, requiring a 45-yard play.
That impressive throw was preceded by a crafty play on a third-and-7, where Chambliss dodged multiple defenders and connected with Cuwan Lacey. Lacey took a hard hit but managed to secure a first down.
From there, Lacey rushed into the end zone from five yards out, giving Ole Miss the lead and later converting a two-pointer. This series highlighted Chambliss’s potential as a quarterback.
Even amidst pressure, he perfectly placed the ball for Wallace, enabling the conversion.
After forcing a fumble on Georgia’s next drive, Chambliss threw another touchdown to Wallace, extending the Rebels’ lead to 34-24 with a beautifully timed back-shoulder throw.
However, Georgia quickly answered with ten consecutive points, placing Chambliss back in charge with minutes remaining.
He made an impactful pitch that turned the game, exemplified by an excited Sean McDonough’s commentary. A critical pass from Chambliss to Dezhorn Stribling on third-and-5, with just over 30 seconds to go, advanced Ole Miss into field goal range. An incomplete pass there could have cost them the game.
As it stands, the Rebels are moving ahead.
This performance has NFL Draft analysts speculating about Chambliss’s future.
A quick glance at social media shows big names discussing Chambliss.
Whether he’ll enter the draft is uncertain. This is his final eligible season, though he has requested a medical exemption due to respiratory issues he faced in 2022 while at Ferris State. He didn’t play that season due to ongoing health concerns, ultimately leading to surgery to remove his tonsils.
It’s questionable if the NCAA will approve his request, as they have sought further information and provided initial feedback suggesting the waiver might not be granted. According to ESPN, the committee indicated this on December 8.
Chambliss’s attorney, Tom Mars, argued that the evidence for the waiver was undeniable and should have been approved long ago.
“I’m confused about why this exemption wasn’t granted in November, especially given the clear evidence,” Mars stated.
He also emphasized that the NCAA seems to be imposing a higher burden of proof on Chambliss, despite his compliance with NCAA requirements and his commendable representation of college football.
In a response to the NCAA, Mars presented a statement from Dr. Anthony Howard—Chambliss’s treating specialist—as well as extensive medical records. These records indicated a December 2022 examination revealing various health issues that likely hindered Chambliss’s athletic performance during the 2022 season.
If he is granted the waiver, many anticipate Chambliss will follow coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, along with offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., who is also making the switch. On the other hand, if he doesn’t get the exemption, Chambliss might pivot to the NFL.
And it appears the league could be ready to welcome him with enthusiasm.
