Ole Miss makes a peculiar quarterback decision that brings an extreme unknown to the Lane Kiffin offense

When you think of Ole Miss football, you think about the offense. Head coach Lane Kiffin still brings a lot of questions as a head coach, but there is no questioning his talents as an offensive play-caller. His offense is complimented for being simple, yet efficient. The run game is a consistent emphasis, but quarterbacks […]

Ryan Roberts National College Football Writer
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Jan 2, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin looks on against the Duke Blue Devils in the fourth quarter during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Jan 2, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin looks on against the Duke Blue Devils in the fourth quarter during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

When you think of Ole Miss football, you think about the offense. Head coach Lane Kiffin still brings a lot of questions as a head coach, but there is no questioning his talents as an offensive play-caller. His offense is complimented for being simple, yet efficient. The run game is a consistent emphasis, but quarterbacks will get the bulk of the headlines in the end. 

Jaxson Dart was just able to put together a tremendous career under Kiffin. Before him, Matt Corral also put up some impressive numbers. Heading into the 2025 college football season, there is a lot of optimism for what Austin Simmons can accomplish in his first year as a starter. A dual sport star for the Rebels on the baseball diamond as well, there is a ton of talent to work with. 

Behind Simmons, there aren't a ton of proven players in that quarterback room. Former Louisville transfer Pierce Clarkson is projected to be the backup, and redshirt freshman AJ Maddox is behind him currently. Ole Miss opted to strengthen that room on Tuesday when it was announced that former Ferris State All-American signal caller Trinidad Chambliss was transferring to the Rebels. 

On paper, this is a very intriguing pickup. The 6-1, 200-pound passer is coming off of a dynamic 2024 season for the Bulldogs. In 15 games, Chambliss threw for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns. A dual-threat quarterback, he also ran for 1,019 yards and 25 more scores. Calling Chambliss dynamic is a massive understatement. 

The obvious question is going to be asked: Is this about insurance, or is Chambliss really going to figure into a role in that quarterback room? He is obviously a very talented athlete, so maybe a role in a specific package is on the horizon? Chambliss' outlook with the Rebels is a big question mark. 

With only one year of eligibility remaining, this is an interesting decision for Chambliss as well. As one of the very best athletes on the Division II level, he had a chance to solidify a legacy if he returned as a senior. In the world of NIL, these types of decisons are understandable. Chambliss will make a ton more money in Oxford than staying on his level.

It does, however, bring intrigue for what the upside is that Chambliss brings to the table. The folks down at Ole Miss are high on Simmons, and the upside he brings to the table. So what do we make of Chambliss and his presence with the program?