Trinidad Chambliss’s eligibility hearing has divided the Internet.
Heard by Ole Miss law alumnus Judge Robert Whitwell, Chambliss was granted an injunction to play next season, a decision sure to be appealed by the NCAA.
Breaking: Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss has been granted a sixth season of eligibility by a Mississippi state court judge, clearing the way for him to play in 2026.
The NCAA can still appeal. pic.twitter.com/Aa9sU1f8io
— ESPN (@espn) February 12, 2026
The judge ruled that Chambliss was eligible for a medical redshirt due to severe respiratory issues and illness during the 2022 season but others believe Chambliss is retroactively finding an excuse for more eligibility so he can keep collecting NIL checks.
Chambliss’s trial was marked by a string of oddities, from a judge who is an alum to courtroom autograph signings, even a jaw-dropping quote from Joe Judge, an assistant coach at Ole Miss.
The judge has officially granted Trinidad Chambliss his injunction to play next season.
I’m excited to watch him play.
But local judges acting as de facto appeals committees for every NCAA eligibility decision is not exactly an ideal process.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) February 12, 2026
The Judge in the Trinidad Chambliss case is using Carson Beck interview quotes in his ruling 😂
What in the world. https://t.co/kHM7hCelTA
— Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) February 12, 2026
“Yes Trinidad, I’m fairly ruling in your favor, they treated you so unfairly!”
“Now, can you sign my flag on your way out?” https://t.co/qyt0wmIci3 pic.twitter.com/r94vDypgT9
— Jeff Le🅱️🅱️y’s 🅱️urner™️ (@Lebby_Burner) February 13, 2026
Very kind of Trinidad Chambliss to sign some items after being ruled eligible for 2026
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) February 13, 2026
NEW: Ole Miss coach Joe Judge tells pregnant partners of players during the season that the father has to play good football.
“He needs to be in another room, detached… he ain’t waking up for midnight feedings.” pic.twitter.com/LQG7t0fQtX
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) February 12, 2026
Lawyers for the NCAA exited the courtroom before the ruling was read, and the organization issued a statement urging the U.S. Congress to step in on eligibility rules.
NCAA statement in response to the Trinidad Chambliss decision: “We will continue to defend the NCAA’s eligibility rules against repeated attempts to rob future generations of the opportunity…”
The association continues to urge Congress to take action. pic.twitter.com/FbUmrK5GiI
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) February 12, 2026
This dispute appears far from over and it will be a landmark case for eligibility rules going forward.
