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EspañolThere is a noticeable absence if you look at the NFL combine invite list for 2026 – Ole Miss quarterback, Trinidad Chambliss.
It seemed like a foregone conclusion that the Rebels' star quarterback would take his talents to the NFL after a dazzling effort in the 2025-26 College Football Playoff. With the perceived weakness of the 2026 NFL Draft class at the sport's most important position, Chambliss would've had every chance to fly up the draft boards.
Instead, he chose the road less traveled.
Forgo the potential fame and fortune that the NFL presents by opting for a return to school. Of course, name, image and likeness (NIL) has changed the game, but the soon-to-be 24-year-old quarterback is certainly taking a risk if he hopes to eventually play in the pros.
The fight was far from easy, but Chambliss won't be at the NFL combine or the draft in 2026. Here's a look at the situation and how it got to this point.
Why isn't Trinidad Chambliss at the NFL combine?
Chambliss was granted an extra year of eligibility, allowing him to return for a sixth season of college football in 2026.
It came after the quarterback notched a win in court, courtesy of Judge Robert Whitwell on Feb. 12 at the Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Mississippi. The judge granted Chambliss' request for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, paving the way for him to continue playing college football in 2026.
"The (NCAA) acted in bad faith to deny him an additional year of eligibility," Whitwell said during his ruling.
Given the uncertainty surrounding his future in college, Chambliss was not invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Provided that ruling is upheld, that lack of invitation won't make a difference.
Will Trinidad Chambliss enter the 2026 NFL Draft?
Chambliss will not enter the 2026 NFL Draft after being granted an extra year of eligibility to play a sixth season of college football.
Trinidad Chambliss NFL draft projection
Chambliss was a breakout star in the 2025 college football season, becoming a legitimate NFL draft prospect. He was widely considered to be the third or fourth-best quarterback on the board following the 2025-26 College Football Playoff.
Prior to the court's ruling, Chambliss ranked No. 3 on Mel Kiper Jr.'s big board on ESPN. Pro Football Focus had the quarterback ranked fourth.
That came on the heels of a mass exodus of potential talent at the top of the class when Texas' Arch Manning, Oregon's Dante Moore and South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers all opted for a return to school.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why isn't Trinidad Chambliss at the NFL combine?