The New York Jets are in clear need of help in the quarterback room, and several options have already been discussed, ranging from veteran passers to prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss recently received an update on his collegiate eligibility outlook, which could impact whether he returns to college football next season or enters the 2026 NFL Draft, where he could emerge as a potential target for the Jets if he declares.
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, the NCAA denied Ole Miss’ appeal for Chambliss to return to college football for a sixth-year.
“The NCAA has denied Ole Miss’ appeal for Trinidad Chambliss’ sixth-year waiver. The NCAA athletics eligibility subcommittee denied the waiver, which was for a medical redshirt, and the school has been informed,” wrote Thamel.
The waiver was denied by the NCAA athletics eligibility subcommittee and was tied to a medical redshirt from his second season at Ferris State in 2022.
GettyQB Trinidad Chambliss.
Appeal Denied, But the Fight Continues
Yes, the NCAA denied the appeal, but Chambliss’s team is continuing to fight the ruling as they seek to secure another year of eligibility for the 23-year-old quarterback.
“This NCAA decision to deny the appeal, which was generally expected, does not mean Chambliss’ eligibility fight is over. Chambliss’ attorneys have filed for an injunction in state court in Mississippi,” wrote Thamel.
The injunction hearing is expected to be on Feb. 12 in Lafayette County Chancery Court in Mississippi.
“In a filing this week in state court, the NCAA detailed why the injunction should not be granted. That includes claims by the NCAA that the medical documentation that Chambliss provided showed that he chose to forgo surgery in 2022 so “he could participate in the football season” and opted instead for medication management,” wrote Thamel.
Ole Miss does not agree with how the situation has been handled thus far.
“Ole Miss said in the statement on Wednesday that Chambliss ‘did not dress for a single game while suffering from severe, incapacitating medical conditions,'” wrote Thamel.
GettyChambliss’ status for the 2026 NFL Draft remains uncertain.
Impact on the Jets’ Draft Plans
The final outcome of the case is still undecided, but it could have a direct impact on the Jets’ 2026 draft plans.
If Chambliss enters the draft, he would immediately become one of the top quarterback prospects. He is currently ranked as the third overall quarterback on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2026 draft Big Board.
The Ole Miss quarterback is projected as a Day 2 pick, and with the Jets holding the 33rd and 44th overall selections, they could take a chance on him. Chambliss is coming off a strong 2025 season and offers significant upside.
He finished the 2025 season with 3,937 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, according to ESPN.
If the Jets bring in a quarterback prospect like Chambliss, the likely plan would be for him to sit and learn under a veteran quarterback next season.
GettyChambliss would be a name to watch for Jets fans if he enters the draft this year.
Update on Jets’ Potential QB Target for 2026 Draft