David Pollack: Ole Miss should turn to Trinidad Chambliss as starting QB

David Pollack believes it’s time for Ole Miss to hand over the keys of the castle to Trinidad Chambliss. That’s his answer to the Rebels’ quarterback conundrum.

Austin Simmons may be talented, but the transfer quarterback has this offense humming in 2025. Ahead of a huge matchup with LSU, Pollack would hope Lane Kiffin rides with Chambliss.

“I don’t think it’s debatable — it’s Trinidad to me,” Pollack stated. “He threw for 307 yards and ran for 112 last week. He’s got moxie, savvy, and I love his calm, cool demeanor. He’s not a big guy, but he doesn’t get flustered; he throws the ball on time and in rhythm.

“You can trust him because of his experience. Remember, he won a Division II national championship and has played a ton of football. He’s not like a flash in the pan. His running ability gives you an advantage, especially versus LSU.

“Even if Simmons is fully healthy, it’d still be a debate, because Trinidad has been flawless. He’s been so good running and throwing, and I think he makes this offense more dangerous to stop. I don’t think it’s a decision. Lane dials up ball plays as well as anybody, and he’s going to have a guy with so much poise and experience.”

While Chambliss was overlooked as a recruit coming out of high school, he’s been a revelation for the Rebels. A Michigan native, he was a multi-sport athlete at Forest Hills Northern High School, where he earned All-Ottawa Kent Conference honors.

Undersized and underrecruited, he landed at Ferris State, about an hour drive from his hometown of Grand Rapids. There, he’d play in 25 games and make 16 starts, along the way catching the eye of Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss staff. 

In his four games with the Rebels, Chambliss has completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 719 yards and four touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns. As Simmons works to make his way back from injury, Kiffin is going to be forced to decide whether or not to stick with the hot hand or return to his starter from Week 1.

Pollack doesn’t believe it’s a tough decision, but it’s much more nuanced than that. If Chambliss does get the rock, he’ll have his toughest challenge yet in LSU and their stout defense.

— On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this article.