Could a court ruling derail the Cleveland Browns' 2026 NFL draft plans for a promising quarterback? For fans of the Cleveland Browns, the question of whether their quarterback situation for the upcoming 2026 NFL season is settled or in need of reinforcements is a hot topic. Regardless of where you stand on that debate, one quarterback who was previously considered a potential target for the Browns in the 2026 draft now seems likely to remain in college for another year.
Trinidad Chambliss, a standout player from Ole Miss, was granted an additional year of college eligibility by a state judge on Thursday. This decision means he is no longer projected to be available for the 2026 NFL draft, unless the NCAA successfully appeals the ruling. Chambliss has already completed five years of college football, spending four seasons with Ferris State University, a Division II program, before transferring to Ole Miss last year.
Chambliss was initially viewed as a Day 2 draft prospect. However, in what is anticipated to be a weaker draft class for quarterbacks, his draft stock could have seen a significant rise. During his single season at Ole Miss, he showcased exceptional talent at the Division I level, throwing for an impressive 3,937 yards, with 22 touchdowns against a mere 3 interceptions.
But here's where it gets interesting and potentially controversial... If Chambliss were to continue his collegiate career at Ole Miss, projections suggest he could secure substantial Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money. It's even anticipated that his earnings in 2026 as a sixth-year senior playing in the highly competitive SEC could surpass the value of a third-round NFL contract. The system, however, initially deemed his college football eligibility exhausted, meaning he was expected to move on to professional football.
And this is the part most people miss... Instead of accepting this, Chambliss took a different route by filing a lawsuit. He argued that two of his college years at Ferris State should not count towards his eligibility. His claim was that he was a victim of medical circumstances, specifically respiratory issues, and should have been granted a medical redshirt, allowing him an extra season.
In a significant ruling, Judge Robert Whitwell determined that Chambliss clearly met the criteria for a medical redshirt. The judge also stated that the NCAA had disregarded medical evidence when it initially denied his waiver request. The NCAA had previously rejected his plea to remain in school for another year on January 9, 2026.
During his time at Ferris State, Chambliss achieved remarkable success, contributing to two National Championships in 2022 and 2024. He was also recognized as the "Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year" following the 2024 season. Upon transferring to Ole Miss in 2025, he was expected to serve as the backup quarterback to Austin Simmons. However, an ankle injury to Simmons in Week 2 against Kentucky propelled Chambliss into the starting role for the game against Arkansas. He went on to become one of the SEC's most dominant players, leading Ole Miss to an 11-1 record and a playoff berth, with their only loss coming against Georgia in Week 7.
Currently, the Browns' quarterback depth chart includes Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Several mock drafts had the Browns considering Chambliss in the third round, with most NFL draft analysis sites ranking him around the #78 pick, placing him in the mid-third round.
Estimates suggest Chambliss could earn approximately $5-$8 million in NIL funding. For comparison, Dillon Gabriel, whom the Browns selected in the third round of last year's draft, signed a four-year deal valued at $6.23 million.
What are your thoughts on this legal battle and its impact on college athletes' eligibility? Do you believe the NCAA should have more discretion, or should athletes have more avenues for recourse? Share your opinions in the comments below!
