• Trinidad Chambliss led Ole Miss to a Sugar Bowl upset but his college future is uncertain.
  • The NCAA has not yet ruled on his request for a sixth year of eligibility; decision is overdue.
  • Chambliss signed a contract with Ole Miss contingent on a waiver; legal action is possible if denied.
  • Parents Trent and Cheryl Chambliss remain hopeful as the family juggles NIL, academics and eligibility.

Chambliss family waits as NCAA reviews waiver

OXFORD, Miss. — Trinidad Chambliss, the unlikely transfer quarterback who vaulted from Ferris State to Ole Miss and delivered a career-defining Sugar Bowl performance, remains in limbo as the NCAA considers his request for a sixth year of eligibility. His parents, Trent and Cheryl Chambliss, say the uncertainty is difficult as the family and school prepare for the College Football Playoff semifinal.

Waiver details and what’s at stake

Chambliss’ case centers on missed playing time in 2022 at Ferris State due to respiratory issues that doctors later treated with tonsil surgery. A 91-page filing, submitted by attorney Tom Mars on Chambliss’ behalf, includes medical records from Dr. Anthony Howard and argues the NCAA has sufficient evidence to grant the waiver.

Until the association’s Division I Academics and Eligibility Committee rules, Chambliss cannot be listed as eligible for another college season. He has already agreed to a new contract with Ole Miss contingent on receiving the waiver; if denied, legal action is likely, his representation says.

NIL, compensation and timing

Direct pay and NIL deals have raised the monetary stakes for extended eligibility. Industry estimates put potential compensation for an elite Power Five starting quarterback in the multimillion-dollar range. Chambliss’ representatives say delay in the NCAA decision is already causing financial damages by excluding him from the active transfer market.

Parents, academics and preparation

Trent Chambliss, a high school administrator, and Cheryl, a former juvenile probation officer, have been central to Trinidad’s move from Michigan to Oxford. Trent described the wait as “uncomfortable,” while Cheryl was moved to tears during the Sugar Bowl comeback. The family also emphasizes academics: Trinidad is scheduled to graduate in May after switching majors and completing summer coursework to clear transfer credits.

On-field rise and highlight-reel moments

Since arriving at Ole Miss, Chambliss has shown passing accuracy, mobility and poise, completing 65.2% in the Sugar Bowl with 362 yards and helping the Rebels reach the CFP semifinal. Coaches and opponents have praised his film study and playmaking; Miami’s coach called him a “limitless football player.”

Next steps and legal options

The NCAA signaled it needs additional information from Ferris State, extending the timeline. If the waiver is denied, Chambliss’ camp has outlined two options: seek a court injunction or pursue league relief. Either path could delay answers into spring, complicating NFL draft and roster planning.

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For now, the Chambliss parents and Ole Miss wait. The next chapter will be decided by the NCAA — and possibly the courts — as one of college football’s most unexpected stories hangs in the balance.

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