Trinidad Chambliss’ NFL draft projections are complicated as the majority of mock drafts do not feature the Ole Miss quarterback. Yet, some draft analysts are much more bullish on the SEC standout. Prior to the Fiesta Bowl, Chambliss sent a clear message about his future.
There has been plenty of chatter on whether Chambliss could enter the transfer portal, and it does not hurt that former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is also looking for a quarterback at LSU. The NFL draft also loomed as a possibility for Chambliss, but the star quarterback announced that he plans to return to Ole Miss.
There is just one problem: Chambliss is technically out of college eligibility. Chambliss announced that he plans to return to Ole Miss next season instead of entering the transfer portal or the 2026 NFL draft, a decision that needs help from the NCAA.
Chambliss will need the NCAA to approve his petition. Otherwise, Chambliss’ next likely step would be to enter the NFL draft, even if this is his backup option.
Here’s what you need to know about Chambliss’ future amid NFL draft rumors.
Trinidad Chambliss Plans to Pass on the NFL Draft & Return to Ole Miss in 2026
Days before the Fiesta Bowl, Chambliss released a statement revealing his plans to return to Ole Miss in 2026. Pending an NCAA decision, this seems to put his NFL draft future on hold.
“While the process is still ongoing, there is no place I’d rather be than finishing my college football career in Oxford,” Chambliss explained in a statement posted to Instagram on January 6. “I’m incredibly grateful for this decision and excited to continue the work alongside my teammates, Coach Pete and the entire Ole Miss staff as we chase something special next year.”
According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach and Pete Thamel, Chambliss has signed a new NIL deal to remain at Ole Miss but will need to have eligibility for the contract to be valid.
Trinidad Chambliss’ NFL Draft Predictions Have Wide Range From the 1st to 7th Round in Latest Mocks
That said, Chambliss would not be the first quarterback to change his mind about his future. Miami’s Carson Beck did the opposite, announcing plans to declare for the 2025 NFL draft before entering the transfer portal.
Chambliss’ final decision may be made for him by the NCAA. The quarterback’s draft stock has a wide array of opinions, ranging from a late-round pick to being selected in the first round. Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez’s mock draft has the Los Angeles Rams selecting Chambliss with the No. 29 overall pick in the first round.
“Surprise pick of the first round!” Sanchez wrote in a January 4, mock draft. “Regardless of how the CFP plays out, Trinidad Chambliss has shown he is a winner, and he has the physical tools to play in the NFL.
“With one of the best signal-callers and play designers in the league, he should thrive in this situation. From the Rams’ perspective, they get a young quarterback who can be groomed under Stafford until Stafford decides to retire.”
If Chambliss did indeed play himself into being a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, it may be challenging to pass up on the chance to turn pro. So far, this still seems to be more of an outlier opinion, but Chambliss’ performance in the College Football Playoff could change this.
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss Sends Clear Message on NFL Draft Amid Rumors