Trinidad Chambliss ruling could have major implications for SEC

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss testifies during the hearing in his lawsuit against the NCAA at Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Miss., on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Trinidad Chambliss court ruling could have major implications for SEC, Ole Miss

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 8:01 PM ET

Thanks to a court ruling on Thursday, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has been granted a temporary injunction that will allow him to get a sixth year of NCAA eligibility and return to the program for the 2026 season.

The NCAA is expected to appeal the ruling, which means this saga could be far from over.

If Trinidad Chambliss returns it would have major impact on SEC, college football

Chambliss repeatedly petitioned the NCAA to get an additional year of eligibility due to a respiratory condition during the 2022 season. The NCAA rejected those petitions for a medical waiver. That resulted in the lawsuit that has been taking place.

The NCAA seems determined to continue fighting this and released a lengthy statement in the aftermath arguing they will continue to defend their eligibility rules "against repeated attempts to rob future generations of the opportunity."

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

If Chambliss is eventually able to return it would significantly impact not only Ole Miss, but also the SEC and college football overall. Chambliss' arrival at Ole Miss was a game changer for the program this season.

He threw for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and only three interceptions while also rushing for 527 yards and eight additional touchdowns.

He played a significant role in Ole Miss having one of the most successful seasons in program history, going all the way to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. They did all of that despite losing head coach Lane Kiffin to rival LSU just before the start of the playoffs.

If he returns he would make Ole Miss one of the preseason favorites in the conference and a National Championship contender.

It is entirely possible any case or appeal will not be heard until after the season is completed. That is what happened with former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia when he sued the NCAA over eligibility rules, received a temporary injunction, and was allowed to play during the 2025 season.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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