People often claim that squad depth becomes the key to solving all problems. For Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss, QB Trinidad Chambliss emerged as the starter in September following Austin Simmons‘s ankle injury. Simmons has regained his fitness and is getting back to full fitness. While Simmons and Chambliss are ready for the game against Oklahoma, the question of who will start has become an interesting storyline.

On Wednesday, On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos reported Lane Kiffin‘s Ole Miss is expected to start Chambliss at QB despite the availability of Simmons. The reason might be the solid performance of the Division II national champion with only one interception through five games. And he has racked up 1549 yards and 8 TDs so far this season. But the standout performance?

In a 24-19 win against the LSU Tigers, Chambliss threw 23 of 39 for 314 yards and earned the AP National Player of the Week. Following that performance, Kiffin stated, “I like good stories. Here’s a little, short kid from Division II going against Nussmeier and the mighty Tigers with Ole Miss. It was really cool.” And after getting that opportunity to play, Chambliss didn’t miss the chance to express his gratitude.

“It’s like a dream come true,” said Chambliss. “It’s an amazing accomplishment. Got to thank God for that one, he’s been with me the whole time. I’ve got to thank Coach Kiffin, the whole staff here at Ole Miss for giving me the opportunity to come here.”

Then, in the game against Georgia, although Simmons returned, Chambliss showcased his potential with 263 passing yards and three TDs. While that might suggest Kiffin was leaning toward making his final call on Chambliss, the HC didn’t hold back in praising both of his QBs.

“We’re in a great place. I mean, we have two great quarterbacks. We have two quarterbacks that are better than a lot of people’s No. 1. It’s awesome to be in this position,” said Kiffin. His praise makes total sense, as Simmons showed his talent in his limited action before the injury. He has recorded 580 yards and 4 TDs so far this season.

Now, while Simmons’s injury opened the door for Chambliss, the Ferris State transfer became a dilemma for the opposing coach.

Trinidad Chambliss can be a force against the Sooners

As the Rebels gear up to face Oklahoma on October 25, Trinidad Chambliss is giving the Sooners headaches. On Wednesday’s episode of Always College Football, ESPN’s Greg McElroy broke down why. Chambliss isn’t just a passer. He can run too, and that dual-threat ability makes him unpredictable and keeps defenses guessing. That’s why Brent Venables’ defense needs to keep him in check.

“It’s tough for opposing defenses to swap personnel, make pre-snap adjustments, or execute the perfect play,” explained McElroy, referring to the lightning-fast, no-huddle offense of Lane Kiffin and OC Charlie Weis Jr. Now, add Chambliss’s legs into the mix; it forces Oklahoma to respect his mobility. “So that kind of creates a bit of a tactical dilemma,” said McElroy.

“Will Oklahoma maintain that aggressive, complex approach and risk mistakes, or simplify and go ‘less is more’?” asked the ESPN analyst. The Ole Miss QB is ranked 10th in the PFSN College Impact Database with an 85.7 grade. That proves he can distribute the ball quickly and use his legs to keep defenses on their heels. But after that Georgia loss, how can Chambliss bounce back?

Clarion Ledger’s Sam Hutchens stated, “The 13 yards, it was truly a matter of just hitting throws. And usually Trinidad hits those throws. That’s what we’ve seen in his five starts. He has great touch to go along with this dual-threat rushing ability, but in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t there. So the key to having easier throws is to stay ahead of the chains.”

Now, despite his abilities, Chambliss needs to avoid errors against Oklahoma’s defense: a unit his HC recently praised for its skill in stealing signs.