The NCAA has denied Ole Miss’ appeal for Trinidad Chambliss’ sixth-year eligibility waiver, the school confirmed on Wednesday, which will direct his fight to play college football in 2026 to state court in Mississippi.
The waiver, which was denied by the NCAA athletics eligibility subcommittee, was for a medical redshirt stemming from his second year at Ferris State in 2022. The NCAA denied Chambliss’ initial request for a waiver back on Jan. 9.
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.
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar is attempting to secure an additional season and has an injunction hearing on Feb. 13. Alabama basketball center Charles Bediako is awaiting a hearing after receiving a temporary restraining order to become eligible. (His attorneys are attempting to get the hearing, scheduled for Friday, to be delayed.)
In the filing in state court this week, the NCAA argued in Chambliss’ case: «Collegiate sports will become ungovernable if eligibility determinations are instead the result of individual court decisions.»
