Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted an injunction by Lafayette County Chancery Court Judge Robert Whitwell on Thursday, February 12, 2026, which will allow him to play for the Rebels next season. Chambliss’s battle against the NCAA started when the authorities denied his waiver for an extra season of eligibility in January, forcing the quarterback to sue them.
After the decision was rendered on Thursday, the NCAA released a statement condemning the ruling and still has the right to appeal.
Stephen A. Smith Weighs In on Trinidad Chambliss’s Ruling
During Friday’s segment of the “First Take” show, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith urged the NCAA not to pursue any further action against Chambliss after the judge’s ruling yesterday.
“I want the NCAA to stand down and leave the kid alone,” Smith said. “I’m very happy with this ruling. Let the kid play. It ain’t too many people that’s looking to stay in college these days, particularly with the way the NCAA runs its business. This is a kid who wants to play college football.”
“I want the NCAA to stand down and leave [Trinidad Chambliss] alone.”@stephenasmith shares his thoughts on Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss being granted a sixth year of eligibility, with the NCAA still able to appeal the decision ✍️ pic.twitter.com/UwLLxLQbW7
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 13, 2026
Smith added, “We all know, based on the year that he had, where he led the SEC in passing yards, got Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff. They won two games there. The kid can ball and college football will benefit immensely to see him on center stage next season. Leave this man alone. Why are you fighting him? Let him have his eligibility, do not appeal it.”
Chambliss’s future was hanging by a thread before the ruling on Thursday, as he was not one of the 15 quarterbacks invited for the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, leaving him walking a tight rope between the NFL and college football.
Analyst Rips NCAA’s Conduct During Chambliss’s Case
In his first season under center for the Rebels after replacing the injured Austin Simmons, Chambliss led Ole Miss to its first College Football Playoff spot and the best finish in program history. His return will also have repercussions on the Heisman Trophy race next season.
During Friday’s segment of “First Take,” ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum blasted the NCAA for its conduct during the case against Chambliss.
“Well, let me think about it for a second… they’re arrogant, they’re haughty, they’re supercilious, they think they can do no wrong, and they have one of the worst legal departments I have ever seen,” Finebaum said. “It was the right ruling, because the NCAA completely bungled this case.”
Chambliss is one of the best returning quarterbacks next season after earning a PFSN College QB Impact score of 90.3. Chambliss tallied 3,937 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and three interceptions, while adding 527 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns.
