Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss announced that he will return to the Rebels for the 2026 season, forgoing the 2026 NFL Draft , as long as his waiver from the NCAA for a sixth season of collegiate play is approved.
Chambliss has applied for a sixth year of NCAA eligibility based on a medical hardship and prior redshirt seasons. Should that waiver be approved, Chambliss intends to return to Ole Miss rather than enter the NFL Draft immediately, a decision that would be a major lift for the Rebels as they look to sustain their success under new head coach Pete Golding.
Ole Miss is in the midst of their best season in program history , currently 13–1 and set to play Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl. The Rebels' offensive success this year has been powered by senior quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, the dynamic dual-threat signal-caller whose rise from Division II standout to SEC star has been one of college football's most compelling stories. Now, Chambliss is eyeing a second year in Oxford, provided the NCAA grants him a much-anticipated sixth year of eligibility.
Chambliss's journey to Oxford has been anything but typical. A product of Division II powerhouse Ferris State in Michigan, he starred at the Division II level, winning a national championship in 2022 and 2024, before entering the transfer portal and landing at Ole Miss in 2025.
After spending the first two games of the season as a backup to junior Austin Simmons, he took over as the starter and never looked back, leading the Rebels to historic wins, including a stunning comeback victory over No. 3 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, where he threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns. Across the 2025 campaign, Chambliss has established himself as one of the most efficient and dynamic quarterbacks in the SEC. He has thrown for over 3,600 yards with 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions, while rushing for more than 500 yards and eight scores, cementing his dual-threat reputation and earning him national attention, including in early 2026 NFL Draft discussions.
Off the field, Chambliss's impact has reached new heights in Oxford. He was named 2025 SEC Newcomer of the Year and won the Conerly Trophy as Mississippi's most outstanding player, joining a storied list of Rebels greats. He's also been recognized as a semifinalist for the prestigious Maxwell Award.
Chambliss's decision to stay, and the NCAA's forthcoming ruling, will be a storyline to watch this offseason. If granted another year, he could anchor Ole Miss's quest for an encore championship run and further bolster his draft résumé. If not, he may instead take his talents to the NFL, leaving behind a legacy of elevating a Rebels offense that many never expected from a transfer quarterback just one season ago.
Beyond the college football implications, Chambliss's potential return also carries weight at the NFL level, particularly for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers . Pittsburgh has been linked to Chambliss in early draft evaluations due to his poise, mobility, and experience in pro-style concepts, but quarterback uncertainty remains a defining issue for the franchise. If Chambliss returns to Ole Miss and builds on his breakout season, he could elevate himself from a mid-round projection into more serious consideration, potentially positioning himself as a developmental option for teams seeking a quarterback with maturity and leadership traits. For the Steelers, another year of tape against top SEC competition could either solidify their interest or push them to look elsewhere, making Chambliss's decision one that quietly resonates beyond Oxford.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Another Potential 2026 NFL Draft QB Announces Return to College
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