All signs point to Trinidad Chambliss returning for his sixth year of college football.
An NCAA petition to the Mississippi Supreme Court to appeal the ruling that would allow Chambliss to play this upcoming season was denied, thus paving the way for the quarterback to remain at Ole Miss.
The ruling was released by presiding justice Josiah D. Coleman on Friday, who did not offer any specific reasoning behind their decision.
“After due consideration, we find that the petition should be denied,” Coleman’s order states. “It is, therefore, ordered that the petition is denied. So ordered.”
Chambliss’ case is set to continue, but a conclusion is unlikely before the end of next season, meaning that he will likely be able to play for Ole Miss.
A Mississippi judge granted Chambliss an extra year of eligibility in February, with Judge Robert Whitwell— who received his juris doctor from Ole Miss in 1972 — determining that the QB met the requirements to be granted a medical redshirt.
The NCAA filed its appeal in early March following the injunction, arguing that the organization should have “final decision making authority” on its own eligibility rules.
“It’s a blessing, it’s a blessing,” Chambliss said in reaction to the ruling while speaking with Ole Miss 365. “It’s a relief for sure.”
“I hope so, yes,” he added when asked if he could finally put all of this behind him. “Now I can get back to workouts with the guys and looking forward to next season.”
Chambliss’ eligibility argument stems from the 2022 season, when he was playing for Division II Ferris State, where he was unable to play because of respiratory issues.
He testified that Ferris State head coach Tony Annese told him that he would receive a medical redshirt for the season.
During the case, the NCAA tried to show medical records indicated Chambliss opted not to undergo surgery in order to “participate in the football season.”
Chambliss, who transferred to Ole Miss ahead of last season, had a breakout year at the Division I level, racking up 3,937 passing yards with 22 touchdowns to just three interceptions, helping lead the Rebels to a 13-2 record.
