In sports, disrespect has a way of boomeranging right back. And this weekend, while Trinidad Chambliss was torching Tulane’s defense for 307 passing yards and another 112 on the ground, the smoke wasn’t just on the field. It came from Ferris State’s athletic director who had a bone to pick with ESPN. Because when the network asked how he had been at a Division II school, the AD unloaded.
Steve Brockelbank, who’s been at the helm since October 2021, made it clear he wasn’t about to let lazy national chatter undermine the program’s credibility. On September 21 on X, he wrote, “ESPN this morning… “how did Trinidad Chambliss end up at Ferris State” – well let me help you out. We win, we have coaches who can flat out recruit and develop student-athletes, and it’s a great place. Stop asking dumb questions!” That’s a program chest-thumping. And it puts ESPN in the crosshairs of a classic college football storyline. Underestimate the wrong player, and you’ll pay for it when the lights come on.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trinidad Chambliss’ story was never one of shortcuts or flukes. A Forest Hills Northern product out of Grand Rapids, he piled up nearly 3,000 passing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns his junior year, then led Ferris State to a national championship. When he announced his transfer to Ole Miss in April 2025, it didn’t make ESPN’s crawl. But maybe it should’ve. Because in just two starts, he’s putting together highlight reels that even Oxford diehards didn’t see coming.
Against Arkansas, Trinidad Chambliss racked up 415 total yards and three touchdowns. Then against Tulane, he had a clean 17-of-27, two passing touchdowns, and the kind of dual-threat dominance that screams promise. And that’s more than just serviceable quarterbacking. And while the rest of the country is laughing over fans posting Trinidad flags on social media, the QB himself is as grounded as they come.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Yes, it’s been surreal,” Trinidad Chambliss said postgame. “I said last week, it’s a dream come true. Honestly, I’m grateful to God for putting me in that position to do what I do and help the team be successful. Twitter is hilarious. I love all the edits and AI stuff, it’s just really fun.” He even compared Oxford to Ferris State, citing the family feel and Lane Kiffin’s mix of humor and intensity. For a kid this new, he already sounds like he’s been Rebels blood for years. But here’s where the drama really sets in.
Trinidad Chambliss in Ole Miss QB carousel?
Lane Kiffin’s QB room may be overflowing with talent and that’s not always a blessing. Austin Simmons, the original starter, is expected back soon from injury. Yahoo’s Nick Bromberg already put it plainly. If he is healthy, the HC has a dilemma. “The Ferris State transfer is acclimating himself well to the top level of college football,” he wrote. “Chambliss made his second straight start for the injured Austin Simmons and excelled again in the No. 13 Rebels’ 45-10 win over Tulane.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Because when Trinidad Chambliss steps on the field, Ole Miss looks different. Faster, looser, and more dangerous. His stat line of 42-of-62 passing, four touchdowns, zero picks, and nearly 200 rushing yards, makes him too hot to bench. And now, with LSU looming, Lane Kiffin has to make the type of decision that could swing a playoff berth.
One wrong move, and the Rebels’ season hangs in the balance. One right call, and Trinidad Chambliss could be the next Ole Miss QB etched into Oxford legend.