A tough decision for Ole Miss & Lane Kiffin was seemingly made in emphatic fashion Saturday in the defeat of the LSU Tigers
Heading into the bye week, the Rebel staff has a lot to think about. Or do they?
I don’t think there’s a quarterback controversy in Oxford, Miss., anymore. Trinidad Chambliss put it to bed on Saturday in a 24-19 victory over then-No. 4 LSU.
All the former backup did was throw for 314 yards and run for another 71 – finishing the day with 401 total yards and a passing touchdown. He outplayed Garrett Nussmeier, who some believe could be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, he minimized mistakes and errors by using his cunning escapability and taking what the LSU defense gave him.
Austin Simmons is still not 100 percent in my opinion. His ankle was HEAVILY taped on Saturday to break glass in case of emergency if Chambliss went down and/or had to come out for anything. But, if and when he returns from his injury, it’s still Chambliss’ job. You can’t go back now.
The team responded to Trinidad Chambliss the last three weeks.
The guy is now 3-0 as a starter and just defeated a Top 5 team at home. He went toe-to-toe with one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class. And he has his team 5-0 and 3-0 in the Southeastern Conference – firmly cemented atop the standings.
I think making a switch now, whether it be in two weeks when the Rebels are back on the field against Washington State. Or the week after versus Georgia on the road. It’s nothing against Simmons it’s just a matter of letting the hot hand keep cooking.
Right now, Chambliss has been incredible in relief duty. He has 1,033 yards passing and five touchdowns while also running for another 266 yards and two more scores. It’s been an elite coaching job by Kiffin and his staff, but also an amazing job by Chambliss to step up and keep everything on track.
This is just an easy decision due to results and momentum.
It’s evident with the experience and playmaking ability, Ole Miss is in a better spot with Chambliss. Even when Simmons was healthy, he struggled out the gate and turned it over four times.
Right now, the Lane Train is all systems go. And a lot of it is because of Trinidad Chambliss. And you have to continue to harness it. Do this and you might just keep winning.
And who knows what this team and season could look like come November.
