Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss have a tough task ahead of them on Saturday night when they take on AAC champions Tulane in the opening round of the college football playoffs. It's a game the Green Wave will have a solid chance to win because many wonder if the Rebels will be a far different team without Lane Kiffin .
The man who led the program for the last six seasons left them high and dry just a few weeks before the CFP after taking the same job with LSU . To add insult to injury, Chambliss could follow him after he left the door open to entering the transfer portal during his press conference with the media this week .
The Michigan native will need an eligibility waiver from the NCAA to play in 2026, but he is likely to get it. If he does enter the portal next month, let's look at five programs he could head to, including a reunion with Kiffin at LSU .
Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
The Miami Hurricanes handed out a huge NIL deal to lure Georgia legend Carson Beck to their program this time last year. This is his final season in college football, and it means that money will be freed up. Using it to lure Chambliss away from Ole Miss is a real possibility. Interest in playing near South Beach and for The U is still appealing to today's athletes, and the increased spotlight could help his case for NFL consideration in 2027.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
LSU has been one of the biggest stories in college football over the last couple of weeks because of Kiffin's decision to leave Ole Miss despite having a real chance at a deep run in the college football playoffs. With veteran starter Garrett Nussmeier headed to the NFL, they need a new QB. Kiffin making his first big move in the portal by bringing Chambliss to Baton Rouge is very possible. Especially since the QB became a star under his guidance this season.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Indiana Hoosiers signal-caller Fernando Mendoza still has another year of eligibility, but is likely to skip it to enter the NFL Draft and potentially be the No. 1 overall pick. A year ago, that wasn't at all an option. However, after transferring to Indy, head coach Curt Cignetti and his staff turned him into an elite prospect who is a favorite to win the Heisman. Chambliss surely noticed, and if he also wants to increase his draft stock, going to Bloomington makes a lot of sense.
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
This season was very disappointing for Clemson and head coach Dabo Swinney . Despite being a popular dark horse pick to be in the playoffs this year, they finished with a disappointing 7-5 record. They will have an opening at QB, and the Swinney's seat is as hot as it's ever been. The coach going after a QB that led his team to the postseason in an attempt to save his job is a real possibility in the weeks ahead.
Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers also had an underwhelming season after a trip to the college football playoffs last season. App State transfer Joey Aguilar played well in his lone season for the program. However, the senior has exhausted his eligibility. It would not be a surprise if the Volunteers jump into the chase for Chambliss if he hit the transfer portal.
Related Headlines
