Feb 13, 2026
3 min read
Saying the "NCAA ignored its rules," a Mississippi judge granted Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction against college athletics' governing body Thursday, giving him an extra year of eligibility to play next season.
Saying the "NCAA flouted its rules," a Mississippi judge on Thursday granted Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction against the college's athletic governing body, allowing him to receive a year of eligibility so he can play next season.
The NCAA denied Chambliss' waiver request on Jan. 9, and the organization's subcommittee on athletic eligibility upheld the denial on Feb. 4 after Chambliss appealed.
In about 90 minutes, Judge Robert Whitwell explained that he agreed with Chambliss' contention that the NCAA did not properly review the player's medical history.Chambliss, 23, played five years in college but was healthy enough to play only three years.
Whitwell said Chambliss will be "irreparably harmed" if the NCAA upholds the ruling, but allowing him to play will not harm the organization.
Chambliss and Ole Miss submitted nearly 91 pages to the NCAA to document how medical issues kept him out of action for two years, the judge said.The NCAA, the judge said, did not properly review the records and denied the release request "purely on semantics."
"Trinidad Chambliss has demonstrated based on the evidence presented that he is eligible for an additional year at the University of Mississippi," Whitwell said."The NCAA failed in its argument to terminate that franchise."
The NCAA issued a statement expressing displeasure with the legal process, but the organization did not say whether it would appeal the ruling.
"This decision in state court shows the untenable nature of the various court decisions that violate the rules agreed to by NCAA members who later challenged them in court," the NCAA said.
"While the NCAA and its member schools are making changes to better serve student-athletes, consistent and conflicting state laws and court rulings make cooperation with Congress essential to provide stability for current and future college athletes."
Chambliss began his college career at Ferris State in 2021, redshirted his first season and sat out 2022 due to medical reasons.
He played two seasons at Division II school Michigan State, leading the Bulldogs to a national championship before transferring to Ole Miss last season.
Chambliss completed 294 of 445 passes (66.1%) for 3,937 yards with 22 touchdowns and three interceptions for Ole Miss (13-2), setting a school record for wins with two after entering the College Football Playoff for the first time.He rushed for 527 yards and eight more TDs.
The Rebels lost to Miami 31–27 in the College Football Playoff semifinals on January 8.
