Trinidad Chambliss is a graduate transfer quarterback from Ferris State who led his team to a Division II national championship last season.
The dual-threat signal-caller gets his first SEC start today against Arkansas. Through two games this season, Chambliss has completed 4 of 6 passes for 59 yards and one touchdown while adding seven rushes for 21 yards.
Why Is Trinidad Chambliss Starting for Ole Miss Against Arkansas?
According to On3 Sports, Chambliss will get his opportunity after Simmons sustained an ankle injury during Ole Miss’s 30-23 victory at Kentucky last week.
NEW: Ferris State transfer Trinidad Chambliss is expected to start at QB for Ole Miss against Arkansas, @SpiritBen reports🦈
Austin Simmons suffered an ankle injury in the Rebels’ 30-23 win at Kentucky last week.https://t.co/xcNqq9T7W0 pic.twitter.com/Dkg6ezZdTd
— On3 (@On3sports) September 13, 2025
ESPN’s Chris Low reported that Ole Miss has monitored Simmons throughout the week. While Simmons will suit up and go through pregame warmups to test his injury, Chambliss has been named the starter.
“Ole Miss has been monitoring Simmons all week. The plan is for him to dress and go through pregame warmups with Chambliss slated to start, as @SpiritBen reported. There’s still a chance Simmons could be available to play some depending on how well he looks and moves in warmups.”
Ole Miss has been monitoring Simmons all week. The plan is for him to dress and go through pregame warmups with Chambliss slated to start, as @SpiritBen reported. There’s still a chance Simmons could be available to play some depending on how well he looks and moves in warmups. https://t.co/jDuoctM07C
— Chris Low (@clowfb) September 13, 2025
However, Simmons could still see action depending on how he moves during warmups.
How Did Trinidad Chambliss Earn His Shot at Ole Miss?
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound quarterback’s journey to this moment began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he played at Forest Hills Northern High School. Despite throwing for 1,610 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior, major programs overlooked him. Chambliss arrived at Ferris State as an unranked prospect with everything to prove.
His first two seasons offered only glimpses of potential. After appearing in just two games as a freshman in 2022, Chambliss saw limited action in eight games during 2023. Those brief opportunities showed flashes of his talent. Chambliss recorded five passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns that made coaches take notice of his dual-threat ability.
When starter Carson Gulker went down with an injury early in 2024, Chambliss stepped up and made the most of his shot. He threw for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for another 1,019 yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground.
The breakthrough season reached its peak in the Division II championship game. Chambliss dominated previously unbeaten Valdosta State in a 49-14 victory that capped off his remarkable transformation.
His 51 total touchdowns earned him GLIAC Player of the Year honors, first-team All-American recognition, and third place in Harlon Hill Trophy voting.
Just like when Gulker’s injury opened the door at Ferris State, Chambliss gets another opportunity to prove himself today. His championship experience and dual-threat skills could be exactly what Ole Miss needs in SEC play.
