Photo: Getty Images
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss' waiver for a sixth-year of eligibility was denied by the NCAA on Friday (January 9), effectively ending his collegiate career, ESPN's Pete Thamel reports.
The decision followed a previous verbal denial in December, however, Ole Miss can still appeal the decision.
"The NCAA has denied Trinidad Chambliss a sixth-year of eligibility, which would his college career. The decision comes after a verbal denial in December. Ole Miss can still appeal the decision," Thamel wrote.
Chambliss, 23, and Ole Miss reportedly reached a new deal that would allow him to return to the program pending the waiver approval earlier this week. The former Division II Ferris State transfer led the Rebels to a 13-2 record (7-1 SEC), the best season in program history and an appearance in the College Football Playoff Semifinal before being eliminated by the Miami Hurricanes in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Thursday (January 8) night.
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' reported decision to stay at Ole Miss if approved by the NCAA came after speculation that he could follow former head coach Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. -- who still coached in Ole Miss' three playoff games despite announcing his decision to join Kiffin's new staff -- to LSU next season.