In desperate need of a franchise quarterback, the New York Jets could use as many signal-caller options in the 2026 NFL draft as they can get. It’s why the news of Dante Moore’s decision to return to Oregon directly impacted New York.

Now, another touted college quarterback has received critical news regarding his status in the 2026 NFL draft.

According to college football insider Pete Nakos of On3, the NCAA has denied Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ waiver appeal for a sixth season of eligibility.

Nakos added that Chambliss is “not done fighting to play in 2026,” however. The Rebels quarterback previously sued the NCAA in Lafayette County, Mississippi.

Chambliss, 23, played his first four collegiate seasons at D-II Ferris State before transferring to Ole Miss in 2025. He is seeking an extra year of eligibility after not receiving a redshirt season for his second year at Ferris State (2022), when he was dealing with respiratory issues and did not play in any games.

Ole Miss released the following statement after the NCAA’s decision:

“The NCAA Athletics Eligibility Subcommittee’s decision to deny Trinidad’s appeal is indefensible in light of the undisputed facts. The NCAA staff and subcommittee asserted that Trinidad was not denied the opportunity to compete during the 2022 season, despite the reality that he did not dress for a single game while suffering from severe, incapacitating medical conditions.

“Those conditions were fully and contemporaneously documented by his treating physician, yet this waiver request was still denied when it should have been approved at the NCAA staff level.

“Trinidad’s representatives will continue to pursue all available legal remedies, and we will publicly stand behind Trinidad while holding the NCAA accountable for a decision that fails to align with its own rules, precedent, and the documented medical record.

“There is a hearing set for February 12 at the Calhoun County Courthouse to hear the motion for a permanent injunction. If the judge grants the injunction then Trinidad would be eligible for to play for Ole Miss in 2026.”

A legal process is the next step in this saga.

In his lone D-I season, Chambliss started 15 games for the Rebels, leading them to a 13-2 record. He completed 66.1% of his passes for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns, and three interceptions while adding 130 carries for 585 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Grand Rapids, Mich. product went on a red-hot run in the 2025 College Football Playoff, dramatically improving his draft stock. Across two playoff wins, Chambliss completed 53 of 75 passes for 644 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, adding a pair of scores with his legs.

If he ends up in the 2026 draft, Chambliss’ stock may be limited by his small frame (6-foot-1, 200 pounds), age (he will be 24 by Week 1), and lack of D-I starting experience. However, his playmaking on college football’s biggest stage earned him a legion of supporters in the draft community, and likely around the NFL, too.

Chambliss could be a fascinating day two or three target for the Jets if he winds up in the draft, although this saga is not over just yet.