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Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has reportedly reached a new deal that will allow him to return to the program pending the approval of a waiver for a sixth season of eligibility by the NCAA, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN on Monday (January 5).
Chambliss, 23, who transferred from Division II Ferris State this past year, led the Rebels to a 13-1 record, the best season in program history and an upcoming appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Miami Hurricanes in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Thursday (January 8). The redshirt senior took over for injured starter Austin Simmons during Ole Miss' third game of the season and threw for 3,660 yards, 21 touchdowns and three interceptions, while also recording 520 yards and eight touchdowns on 128 rushing attempts, having been named the SEC Newcomer of the Year and placing eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Chambliss' strong play has continued in the postseason, throwing for 362 yards and two touchdowns on 30 of 46 passing during the Rebels' upset win against Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl last Thursday (January 1). The quarterback's reported decision follows speculation that he could follow former head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. -- who still coached in Ole Miss' first two playoff games despite announcing his decision to join Kiffin's new staff -- to LSU next season.