Trinidad Chambliss' injunction great for college football in 2026, but casts doubt on future

A Mississippi judge has granted Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, allowing him to play in the 2026 season despite previous denials of his medical redshirt appeal. Chambliss argued that he should have been granted a medical redshirt for the 2022 season due to lingering tonsillitis, which the NCAA had denied three times. The decision highlights a growing trend of athletes turning to local courts for eligibility disputes, challenging NCAA decisions that impact their playing careers.

Chambliss's case is part of a broader pattern where local courts are increasingly involved in deciding eligibility cases, a shift from the traditional NCAA-controlled process. This trend began gaining traction after a similar case in Tennessee involving Diego Pavia. The NCAA expressed concern about the implications of such court decisions, arguing they undermine the rules set by its member institutions.

The ruling is a temporary win for Chambliss, as the NCAA is expected to appeal. However, it raises questions about the future of eligibility enforcement