The Cleveland Browns' 2026 NFL draft plans may be in disarray following a recent court ruling. The quarterback room, which is either fully staffed or in need of an additional player, is now in a state of uncertainty. Trinidad Chambliss, a quarterback who was projected to be a Day 2 draft prospect, is now likely to remain in school for another year. This is due to a state judge's ruling that granted him an extra year of eligibility, making him no longer a 2026 NFL draft prospect, pending an appeal by the NCAA.
Chambliss, who has played five years of college football, has been a standout performer. He played four years with Ferris State University, a D-2 program, and last year with Ole Miss. In his lone season with Ole Miss, he demonstrated unique qualities at the D-1 level, throwing for 3,937 yards and 22 touchdowns while only throwing three interceptions.
If Chambliss were to remain at Ole Miss, it is projected that he would break the bank with NIL money, potentially exceeding his third-round NFL contract. However, the system stated his college football eligibility had run out, and so he must move on.
Except that Chambliss filed a lawsuit instead. He made claims that two of his college years while attending Ferris State should not count because he was a victim of medical illnesses regarding respiratory issues, and should have been granted a medical redshirt for a sixth season.
In the ruling, Judge Robert Whitwell stated that Chambliss clearly met the criteria to receive a medical redshirt and that the NCAA ignored medical evidence when it denied his waiver. The NCAA had denied his request to remain in school another year on January 9, 2026.
While at Ferris State, Chambliss won two National Championships in 2022 and 2024. He was named the "Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year" following the 2024 season. At Ole Miss, he won the Conerly Trophy and was selected Second Team All-ACC.
Chambliss transferred to Ole Miss from Ferris State in 2025 and was expected to be their backup QB to Austin Simmons. But Simmons injured his right ankle in Week 2 against Kentucky, and in the third game against Arkansas, Chambliss was now the starter. He ended up as one of the SEC's most dominant players as Ole Miss only lost to Georgia in Week 7 and earned a spot in the football playoffs with an 11-1-0 record.
Currently, the Browns QB room consists of Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Several mock drafts had Cleveland taking Chambliss in Round 3. Most NFL draft sites had him ranked at #78, which is mid-third round.
It is estimated that Chambliss will receive approximately $5-$8 million in NIL funding. Gabriel, who was taken by the Browns in Round 3 of last year’s NFL draft, signed a four-year deal worth $6.23 million, by comparison.
