Division II transfer dazzles in his first career D1 start
With starting quarterback Austin Simmons sidelined by the ankle injury he sustained in the Rebels’ 30–23 win over Kentucky, Ole Miss turned to backup Trinidad Chambliss, who got the nod against Arkansas.
Trinidad Chambliss transferred to Ole Miss this offseason following a standout career at Division II powerhouse Ferris State. As a senior in 2024, he guided the Bulldogs to a 14–1 record and a commanding 49–14 win over Valdosta State in the national championship. Chambliss threw for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns against just six interceptions, while adding 1,019 rushing yards and 25 scores on the ground—solidifying his status as one of the most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks in DII football. Over three seasons at Ferris State, he helped lead the program to two national titles.
Fast forward to the 2025 season: Trinidad Chambliss made his first career start at the Division I level—and he didn’t disappoint. Against Arkansas, he showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for 353 yards and a touchdown while adding 62 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.
Rebels Head Coach Lane Kiffin seemed to have a lot of confidence in his backup QB.
“Trinidad’s day didn’t surprise me,” Kiffin said. “Any time we’ve gone in the stadium in scrimmages or in his play the last two games, he’s done a fabulous job.”
Kiffin even compared Trinidad Chambliss to former Alabama QB Blake Sims and NFL veteran and Super Bowl Champion Russell Wilson.
“Yeah, they just said that on the radio,” Lane Kiffin said. “There’s a lot, same jersey number. There’s a lot of Blake Simms in there. The quick feet, similar body structure and size, and the ability to release the ball really well for not a really tall guy and find windows. So, yeah, there’s a lot of Blake Simms in there. I’m not saying he’s Russell Wilson, don’t get me wrong, but there’s some similarities in that kind of in the it factor and how he moves and holds himself, you know, that I’ve kind of said that since he’s gotten here.”