Much has been made about the future of Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, especially given his performance in the College Football Playoff. The transfer portal as well as the NFL draft have both loomed as possible options. It just so happens his former coach Lane Kiffin is looking for a quarterback at LSU.
It appears Chambliss has decided on a third option, but it is complicated. Just days before Ole Miss takes on Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, Chambliss announced his plans to return to Ole Miss in 2026.
Chambliss signed a new deal to remain at Ole Miss, but the challenge is the quarterback may not be eligible to play college football next season. The quarterback’s eligibility has technically been exhausted, but Chambliss is challenging the NCAA rule as he began his career at Ferris State, a Division II team.
The one thing that appears to be a certainty is that Chambliss will not be following Kiffin to LSU. It will either be Ole Miss or the NFL draft that is ahead for Chambliss.
Here’s what you need to know about Chambliss’ future and the latest college football rumors.
LSU Had Been Linked to Potentially Poaching Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss
There had been speculation that some of Ole Miss star players like Chambliss would follow Kiffin to Baton Rouge. LSU is sure to poach some of Ole Miss’ key players, but what is becoming more clear is that not all of the Rebels felt the same way about the polarizing coach.
Some players appear to be relieved that Kiffin has moved on and the focus in Oxford is back on football. LSU will be forced to find another quarterback, and the Tigers have recently been linked to Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt among others.
“This season has meant so much to me, especially because of the brothers I get to line up with every day and the unwavering support of the Oxford community,” Chambliss said in a January 5, 2026, statement, per ESPN.
“My teammates are family, and together we share a common goal, to bring a championship home to Ole Miss. While the process is still ongoing, there is no place I’d rather be than finishing my college football career in Oxford.”
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss Reveals True Feelings on LSU After Decision
How close was Chambliss to bolting Ole Miss for LSU? The star quarterback admitted he did consider following Kiffin but felt a loyalty to Ole Miss.
“I guess so, but at the end of the day I just made the right decision and that was to stick with my gut,” Chambliss said of considering LSU during a January 5, interview on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” per Yahoo Sports.
“Ole Miss has been good to me, and I feel like I owe it to Ole Miss. I just love it here and I love the community, so that was the right choice.”
Trinidad Chambliss’ NFL Draft Stock Is Complicated
If Chambliss is forced to enter the NFL draft, it is unclear just how high the playmaker can climb in the pre-draft process. Chambliss is not being mentioned with the other top quarterback prospects like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza or Oregon’s Dante Moore.
Yet, his play in the College Football Playoff could help the signal-caller climb up team’s boards ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. Ole Miss fans are hoping not to have to find out, but opposing SEC teams may be rooting for the opposite.
Trinidad Chambliss News Emerges Days Before Ole Miss-Miami Amid LSU Rumors