What Nick Saban said about Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss in Congress testimony
· Yahoo Sports
Ole Miss football quarterback Trinidad Chambliss' eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA was mentioned during a Senate hearing in reference to a need for reform in collegiate athletics.
Visit syntagm.co.za for more information.
Former Alabama coach Nick Saban spoke during the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing in support of the Protect College Sports Act on June 3.
Saban encouraged lawmakers to pass the bill that aims to regulate college sports in the transfer portal and NIL era. Saban pointed to Chambliss and his successful lawsuit against the NCAA as an example of the need for change.
"Right now in college football we have no rules," Saban said. "We have state laws. We have different (laws) in every state. We have litigation. The NCAA can not enforce their own rules because every time they try to enforce the rules, there's a lawsuit. I mean, an example would be Ole Miss' quarterback (Chambliss). They say he can't play next year. He's playing next year because of litigation. But this is just the way it is."
Chambliss filed a lawsuit against the NCAA for a temporary injunction after his medical hardship waiver requesting a sixth year of eligibility was denied.
Chambliss, who played at Division II Ferris State from 2021-24, claimed respiratory issues kept him from playing during the 2022 season.
Judge Robert Whitwell ruled in Chambliss favor on Feb. 12, granting him the injunction and allowing him to play for Ole Miss in the 2026.
In 2025, Chambliss was the SEC Newcomer of the Year after throwing for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns and three interceptions on a 66.1% completion rate in 15 games. Chambliss took over in the third game and led the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Fiesta Bowl. He finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Why is Trinidad Chambliss eligible to play in 2026?
As outlined in his 34-page lawsuit against the NCAA filed Jan. 16, Chambliss was fighting for a retroactive medical redshirt because of health problems that hindered his development and prevented him from earning a starting spot.
According to his testimony on Feb. 12, Chambliss experienced "recurrent throat infections, poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue and exercise-related discomfort" that came after a documented episode of infectious mononucleosis in 2020.
Chambliss testified that he only started feeling better after he had his tonsils removed in 2024. He transferred to Ole Miss before the 2025 season.
The judge in chancery court found Chambliss' argument more convincing than the NCAA's argument.
An injunction is a temporary measure that blocks action until a lawsuit can be settled. Chambliss' temporary injunction will allow him to play until the overall lawsuit ruling is settled. That is a slow process that is not expected to play out before the season ends.
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on X @tiareid65.
Contributing: Sam Hutchens
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Nick Saban mentions Trinidad Chambliss lawsuit in Congress testimony