Traditionally, I balk at quarterbacks who lack traditional size. When Diego Pavia was getting hype for his outstanding play last year, it was clear as day that it wouldn’t work in the NFL. Add in how much I value age and early success in a college career, and Trinidad Chambliss has no business being discussed as a first-round pick. Except he should be, he is, and his development from last year has been fun to watch. Many NFL Draft fanatics know Chambliss's story, but it’s worth reiterating anyway. Out of high school, Chambliss didn’t receive a single FBS offer. He wasn’t a meaningful recruit, earning zero stars after throwing for just 1610 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was part of the 2021 class and wound up playing at Division II Ferris State, leading them to a national championship in 2024 before transferring to Ole Miss. In that national championship run, he had more than 3,900 total yards and 50 touchdowns. Chambliss wasn’t supposed to earn the starting role at Ole Miss. Highly-touted recruit Austin Simmons won the job coming out of the spring in 2025, but an injury thrust the former D-II quarterback into the spotlight in Week 3 against Arkansas, and he’s never looked back. Since taking over as the full-time starter, Chambliss has thrown for 4,801 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 16 games. He’s clearly operating as the best quarterback in college football. That doesn’t always mean NFL success, but Chambliss’s film is littered with translatable traits and tools that lend themselves to becoming a really good starting quarterback.
I’ve watched him closely over the last two years, and his Week 3 performance against LSU is far from his best outing (his performance against Georgia in the College Football Playoff last year was nearly perfect), but the film this week gives every reason to believe Chambliss should be in the conversation for the first overall pick, despite standing at just under 6 feet and turning 25 before the 2027 NFL season kicks off.
I won’t break down every play in this game, but rather the plays that caught my eye — good and bad — that indicate he’s a real NFL Draft prospect.
I’ve referenced this clip a few times when discussing Chambliss, but this is an absolute seed with pressure in his face and excellent anticipation. After doing some quick math, this throw is in the 58-62 mph range, an absolutely bonkers level of zip and power that allows him to throw between two defenders. Chambliss’s quick release also lets him keep his poise with two defenders barreling down at him. To some football watchers, this is just a good, on-time throw. To evaluators, this is a large reason why he’s getting first-round buzz. It wasn’t all good, though.
