Trinidad Chambliss, 23, who has been in college for five years, sued the NCAA after it denied his request for a sixth year of eligibility. Chambliss argued he deserved a medical redshirt for the 2022 season at Division II Ferris State, where he did not play due to respiratory issues. He and Ole Miss submitted 91 pages of medical documentation to support his claim.
The NCAA denied his waiver request on January 9, 2026, stating he could not provide evidence of an "incapacitating injury or illness." His appeal was denied by the NCAA's Athletics Eligibility Subcommittee on February 4. Chambliss then filed for a preliminary injunction in Lafayette County Chancery Court in Mississippi.
On Thursday, February 13, Judge Robert Whitwell ruled in Chambliss' favor after 90 minutes of explanation, stating the NCAA "ignored its own rules" and "operated in bad faith" by dismissing the medical evidence and denying the waiver "on pure semantics." The judge found Chambliss would suffer "irreparable harm" if denied eligibility, while the NCAA would not be damaged by allowing him to play. The NCAA can appeal but has not indicated whether it will.
Chambliss had a successful 2025 season at Ole Miss after transferring from Ferris State, where he led the Bulldogs to a Division II national championship in 2024. He completed 66.1% of his passes for 3,937 yards with 22 touchdowns and three interceptions, leading Ole Miss to a 13-2 record and the College Football Playoff semifinals before losing to Miami 31-27.
