Behind a high-powered offense led by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss was one win away from playing for college football’s national championship last season. The program’s odds of another deep run in 2026 received a massive boost with Chambliss winning an injunction from a Mississippi state court for an extra year of eligibility on Thursday. Chambliss’ petition for an extra season was previously denied by the NCAA, but Judge Robert Whitwell ruled the quarterback should have been awarded a medical redshirt for a previous year at Ferris State, making him eligible for ‘26.
Chambliss’ surprising emergence into one of the top quarterbacks in college football was one of the top storylines in ‘25. After playing at Ferris State from 2021-24, Chambliss transferred to Ole Miss prior to last season and was set to work as the backup to Austin Simmons.
However, an early-season injury to Simmons opened the door for Chambliss to take over the No. 1 spot on the depth chart. Over 15 games, Chambliss proceeded to throw for 3,937 yards and 22 touchdowns to just three picks. He also ran for 527 yards and eight scores and finished eighth in Heisman voting.
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Chambliss’ return is significant on several fronts for Ole Miss. The program is navigating transition with coach Pete Golding in his first full year after working as the head coach in the College Football Playoff after Lane Kiffin departed to LSU. Also, as the ‘25 season showcased, Chambliss is one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and gives the Rebels a chance to win every game on the ‘26 slate and contend once again for the College Football Playoff.
In addition to Chambliss returning, running back Kewan Lacy is also back in Oxford, giving Ole Miss the foundation for one of the most dynamic attacks in the nation. The Rebels are set to return five overall starters on offense, including three along the offensive line for new play-caller John David Baker. The receiving corps lost a handful of key contributors. However, Golding reloaded this group through the portal.
The Rebels also took steps to address a defense that struggled to stop the run and allowed 26.3 points a game in SEC play. A couple of key transfers should fortify this group, and the late portal addition of California linebacker Luke Ferrelli only added to the potential improvement for this group.
How Chambliss' Return Impacts Early Predictions
Ole Miss ranked sixth in the SEC and No. 13 nationally in way-too-early predictions by Athlon Sports for '26. The Rebels are likely to rank a few spots higher in both once early picks are updated prior to spring practice. With a quarterback capable of earning All-America honors back under center, Ole Miss is now a serious threat to win the SEC.
Ole Miss Championship Odds Shift After Chambliss’ Decision
Prior to Thursday’s ruling, Ole Miss was +4000 to win the college football’s national championship at BetMGM. But after Chambliss was awarded the year of eligibility for ‘26, those odds improved to +3500. A notable bet ($5,000) was also placed at BetMGM for the Rebels to win the national championship.
Heisman Odds for Trinidad Chambliss
With the uncertainty surrounding Chambliss’ status for ‘26, the senior was not listed among the early betting favorites to win the Heisman Trophy next season. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (+800) is the early favorite at FanDuel, with Texas quarterback Arch Manning (+950) and Indiana signal-caller Josh Hoover (+1100) up next. After finishing eighth in the Heisman voting in ‘25, it’s a safe assumption Chambliss will be among the betting favorites once odds are updated later this year to reflect his return to Oxford.