A former Division II quarterback is now drawing major attention as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate entering the 2026 collegiate campaign.
In 2024, Trinidad Chambliss was the starting quarterback for the Ferris State Bulldogs, a squad he commanded to a Division II National Championship. A year later, Chambliss transferred to the University of Mississippi, where he took over as the starter early in the season after an injury to Austin Simmons and never looked back.
As the 2026 season looms, a plethora of talent headlines the Heisman conversation. This list of young superstars includes Texas’ Arch Manning, who will take the field for his second season as the Longhorns’ starter. Despite Manning’s name and undeniable capabilities, could Chambliss have a better shot at being college football’s top player?
Analyst Pegs Chambliss as Heisman Favorite Due to Elite Dual-Threat Skills
The cast of ESPN’s “Get Up” spoke about this year’s Heisman race and who they believe are the frontrunners for college football’s most prestigious individual trophy. Jordan Rodgers, an analyst for ESPN and brother of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, believes Ole Miss’s gunslinger to be atop the list of elite talent.
When asked for his bold prediction at quarterback for the upcoming college football season, Rodgers showed support for the Rebels’ 6-foot man at the helm.
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“I’m gonna say Trinidad Chambliss is going to win the Heisman Trophy over Arch Manning,” said Rodgers. “I think they’re both gonna be there, but the best quarterback in the country last year at the end of the year and coming into this year is Trinidad Chambliss. He’s the best dual-threat, over 500 rushing yards.”
Rodgers continued, “Yes, they’re replacing some receivers, but he still has a dynamic running back to create some balance. He is going into his second year of major college football. Remember, he came from DII. If he can do that in not even a full season in his first year, in really what’s going to be the same system.”
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The 37-year-old then touches on some of the staff changes at Ole Miss and how they may affect Chambliss.
“That’s what a lot of people don’t realize, the system is really not going to change that much with this new staff,” said Rodgers. “He’s going to be there.”
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While the prediction may sound bold, a deeper dive into the statistics could help with Rodgers’ projection. Last season, Chambliss had over 750 more passing yards, over 100 more rushing yards, and a better completion % than Manning. In terms of touchdowns, Manning tallied 37 total scores compared to Chambliss’ 30.
Additionally, PFN’s College Quarterback Impact metric graded Chambliss fifth overall amongst other NCAA DI gunslingers. His 90.3 impact score was significantly higher than Manning’s 83.1 impact score, good for 37th overall on the QB Impact list.
In what could ultimately be a duel for the first overall choice in the 2027 NFL Draft, will the underdog story prevail? Or will it be the quarterback with a long lineage of Hall of Fame-level NFL talent?
