NCAA releases statement in response to Trinidad Chambliss receiving injunction for 2026 eligibility
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
In the midst of Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss being granted injunction to be eligible for the 2026 college football season, the NCAA has released a statement in response to the matter.
Judge Robert Whitwell ruled in favor of the Chambliss, who filed a lawsuit after being denied by the NCAA via its own process. The NCAA has the right to appeal the decision.
“This decision in a state court illustrates the impossible situation created by differing court decisions that serve to undermine rules agreed to by the same NCAA members who later challenge them in court,” The NCAA’s statement said.
The NCAA added that it plans to partner with Congress regarding its eligibility rules.
“We will continue to defend the NCAA’s eligibility rules against repeated attempts to rob future generations of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create,” The NCAA’s statement said. “The NCAA and its member schools are making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes, but the patchwork of state laws and inconsistent, conflicting court decisions make partnering with Congress essential to provide stability for current and future college athletes.”
Chambliss contended that he should have been given a medical redshirt for the 2022 season after his conventional redshirt season in 2021 at Ferris State. The NCAA turned down the initial request, the subsequent appeal and an additional request for further reconsideration, which promoted Chambliss to take the case to the state court in Mississippi.
Judge Whitwell determined Thursday that the NCAA “ignored” evidence from Ferris State in terms of Chambliss’ respiratory issues. The judge declared Chambliss to be “clearly physically unfit” during that timespan and additionally claimed the NCAA acted in bad faith.
Last season, Chambliss amassed 30 total touchdowns (22 passing, 8 rushing) en route to guiding Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
