A Mississippi judge has granted Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss an extra year of eligibility, granting his request for a preliminary injunction on Thursday.
Judge Robert Whitwell, who received his juris doctor from Ole Miss in 1972, determined that Chambliss met the requirements to receive a medical redshirt for a sixth year of eligibility, striking down nearly all of what the NCAA had attempted to argue.
The preliminary injunction is part of Chambliss’ ongoing legal challenge against the NCAA after the college sports governing body ruled that he would not be allowed to play in the 2026 season.
Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss throws during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game against Miami, Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. AP
“It’s a blessing, it’s a blessing,” Chambliss said in reaction to the ruling while speaking with Ole Miss 365. “It’s a relief for sure.”
“I hope so, yes,” he added when asked if he could finally put all of this behind him. “Now I can get back to workouts with the guys and looking forward to next season.”
Whitwell said during a lengthy reading of his decision that the NCAA “ignored” evidence that Chambliss, who led Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff semifinal this past season, provided while denying his waiver and that he would suffer irreparable harm if he were denied another year.
The judge also called several of the NCAA’s statements about the situation “false and misleading,” while also saying the organization did not act in good faith in denying the QB’s waiver.
Chambliss’ appeal stems from the 2022 season at Division II program Ferris State, his second year at the school, when he was unable to play due to respiratory issues.
The QB testified that Ferris State head coach Tony Annese told him that he’d be medical redshirted.
At times, Thursday’s hearing took on a bit of a sideshow atmosphere as fans watched from the gallery — videos of Chambliss signing autographs have popped up on social media.
The NCAA’s legal team walked out before the decision was read.
Whitwell said the court would issue a show-cause order to determine if the NCAA’s lawyers should be held in contempt of court for their actions.
In a statement issued shortly after the decision, the NCAA, which can appeal, pushed back on the court’s ruling.
Detailed view of the jersey of Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“This decision in a state court illustrates the impossible situation created by differing court decisions that serve to undermine rules agreed to by the same NCAA members who later challenge them in court,” the statement read. “We will continue to defend the NCAA’s eligibility rules against repeated attempts to rob future generations of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create.
“The NCAA and its member schools are making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes, but the patchwork of state laws and inconsistent, conflicting court decisions make partnering with Congress essential to provide stability for current and future college athletes.”
The NCAA tried to show during the case that medical records showed that Chambliss had opted not to have surgery in order to “participate in the football season.”
Ole Miss was pleased with the decsion.
“We are excited for Trinidad and grateful to Judge Whitwell for making the right decision today,” Ole Miss said in a statement. “We appreciate the thoughtful consideration given to this matter and for the court’s recognition of the circumstances surrounding Trinidad’s case. We believe this outcome affirms what we have maintained throughout this process that Trinidad deserves the opportunity to compete and complete his collegiate career on the field.
“Trinidad has demonstrated tremendous perseverance, character and commitment to his teammates, this university and college football. We remain fully supportive of him and his legal team, who have worked diligently to ensure his eligibility was fairly evaluated. Ole Miss Athletics will continue to advocate for our student-athletes and support them in pursuing every opportunity afforded to them under the rules and the law.”