Trinidad Chambliss has had quite the season in Oxford — from being thrust onto the scene as a first-time starter at the Division I level early in the campaign to becoming one of college football’s top storylines of the year, oh yeah, and having a reggae-themed song made in his honor. Now, he is being recognized as the SEC’s newcomer of the year.
The conference’s 16 coaches concluded on Wednesday that Chambliss was worthy of being the second athlete in SEC history to earn the honor. The award was created in 2024 with the inaugural honor going to Vanderbilt’s sensational field general, Diego Pavia,
A Division II Ferris State transfer, Chambliss became the Rebels’ starting quarterback during a week-three matchup against Arkansas after Austin Simmons suffered an ankle injury at Kentucky a week prior. From there, Chambliss commandeered an SEC-leading Ole Miss offense and helped propel the team to its first-ever 11-win regular season and inaugural College Football Playoff berth.
“It’s a dream come true. You dream of moments like this,” Chambliss said after his first start. “Coming from a DII, I’m very grateful and appreciative of the opportunity that arose today. I’m going to soak it all in, interact with the fans, all the fans, because that was me when I was little.”
So far this season, Chambliss has completed 218 of 333 passes for 3,016 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. He has been effective on the ground as well, rushing 118 times for 470 yards and 6 scores. Since taking over as the starter, Chambliss is averaging 348.6 yards of total offense per game – including 300 in SEC play alone.
Chambliss ranks among the top SEC signal-callers this season, currently sitting second in yards per completion, yards per attempt, and passing efficiency, while also ranking in the top 25 nationally in total offense, passing yards, and passing yards per game. At just three interceptions against his 18 passing touchdowns, Chambliss is currently first in Ole Miss history in fewest interceptions thrown on at least 200 pass attempts.
The Ole Miss quarterback has found his way onto several other single-season lists in program history. He is only the seventh Rebel quarterback to ever throw for 3,000 yards in a season. Chambliss also ranks No. 4 in completion percentage (65.5%), No. 4 in passing efficiency (157.6), No. 4 in yards per completion (13.8), tied for No. 4 in 300-yard passing games, and No. 5 in yards per attempt (9.1).
Chambliss had his best passing performance as a Rebel in the 38-19 Egg Bowl victory at Mississippi State, passing for 359 yards and 4 touchdowns, while rushing for 26 yards, giving him 385 yards of total offense. For his success, Chambliss has been nationally recognized as a semifinalist for the Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Davey O’Brien awards, along with being the recipient of three national player of the week honors. He was also this year’s Conerly Trophy winner.
The Egg Bowl was not the final chapter of Chambliss’ story at Ole Miss this season. Though his future in college football remains uncertain, given that his waiver to play another season has not yet been approved, per a source, Chambliss will lead the Rebels’ offense in the upcoming playoff. Ole Miss will take on Tulane in a home rematch, though former Rebel head coach Lane Kiffin will not be present, on Saturday, Dec. 20. The winner will face Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.