In sports, disrespect has a way of coming right back to the sender. 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 Chambliss could have been at a Division II school, the AD took it as disrespect to his program.

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 not willing to be put down just because they are not part of the FBS.

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, none of the big networks covered it with fanfare like other transfers. But maybe it should have. Because in just two starts, he’s putting together highlight reels that even Oxford diehards didn’t see coming.

Against Arkansas, Chambliss racked up 415 total yards and three touchdowns. Then against Tulane, he had 307 passing yards on a  17-of-27 passing night with two touchdowns. He was also the team’s leading rusher with over a 100 yards on 14 carries. This is the kind of dual-threat dominance that screams promise.

“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.

Trinidad Chambliss in Ole Miss’ QB carousel?

Lane Kiffin’s QB room may be overflowing with talent. But 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.” 

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 decide a program’s playoff chances for the year. 

The Rebels’ season hangs in the balance. One wrong move, and it all comes crashing down. But if fate favors the newcomer, Trinidad Chambliss could be the next Ole Miss QB etched into Oxford legend.