Jets' Trinidad Chambliss dream may be dead after stunning NFL Combine decision

The New York Jets are staring down the barrel of a very weak 2026 NFL Draft class as far as quarterbacks go, but one player who fans are starting to fall in love with due to his playmaking in big games is Ole Miss standout Trinidad Chambliss.

The problem with him is that it seems like there is nothing Chambliss wants to do less than go to the NFL, as he is willing to take the NCAA to court in the name of getting one more collegiate season under his belt. It seems like the NFL is of the mindset that Chambliss will end up going back to school.

The official list of 319 players invited to the 2026 NFL Combine was released on Wednesday afternoon, and Chambliss was not one of the players invited. It appears to be more likely than ever that Chambliss is going back to college.

Jets QB target Trinidad Chambliss not invited to NFL Combine

The crux of Chambliss' lawsuit against the NCAA states he should retroactively be awarded a medical redshirt for the 2022 season, in which he didn't play following a 2021 redshirt. If a temporary injunction is granted, the NCAA will not be allowed to prevent Chambliss from playing in the 2026 season.

Chambliss spent almost all of his college career at Division II Ferris State before transferring to Ole Miss with the intent of backing up Austin Simmons. After taking over as the starter early in the season, Chambliss threw for 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions while leading the Rebels to the College Football Playoff.

Chambliss is exactly the type of quarterback who should be at the Combine. Not only will teams need some official confirmation on his alleged 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame, but he can flex both his athletic gifts and his improvements as a dropback passer in front of scouts.

If Chambliss does get his way and is able to return to school, the options for the Jets on Day 2 of the Draft are quite grim. LSU's Garrett Nussmeier looks like a solid prospect, but his lack of great hand size is a problem. Penn State's Drew Allar is fresh off a major injury, and Miami's Carson Beck is extremely volatile.

Chambliss could have been a worthwhile Day 2 gamble for the Jets due to his ability to make plays out of structure, but with the NFL seemingly keeping him at arm's length as he tries to Rodney Dangerfield the process and go back to school, those New York dreams may go up in smoke.