University of Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA after being denied an additional year of eligibility, a decision that would prevent him from playing during the 2026 season. The lawsuit was filed last Friday in Lafayette County court, as per Front Office Sports.
Chambliss, represented by attorneys Tom Mars and William Liston, argues that the NCAA improperly denied his eligibility waiver without fully considering medical issues he experienced earlier in his college career at Division II Ferris State. The lawsuit alleges the NCAA acted in bad faith and handled the appeal in an unreasonable and arbitrary manner.
The NCAA ruled Chambliss ineligible on the basis that he did not complete four seasons within the standard five-year eligibility window. Chambliss contends he was forced to redshirt at Ferris State due to medical and physical incapacity, citing illnesses including Epstein-Barr virus, mononucleosis, and COVID-19, which he says limited his ability to train and compete.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and an injunction that could allow Chambliss to play next season. The case also has implications for his name, image, and likeness opportunities.
In a statement referenced by USA Today, the NCAA said eligibility waivers require detailed medical documentation and claimed that sufficient records explaining Chambliss’s missed playing time were not provided by Ole Miss or Ferris State. Chambliss told that he believes he deserves another year of eligibility because his limited participation was due to circumstances beyond his control.
On the field, Chambliss had a strong season for Ole Miss, throwing for 3,937 yards and 22 touchdowns, according to FOX13 Memphis. The outcome of the lawsuit will determine whether his college career continues or if he instead pursues professional opportunities.
