Lane Kiffin compares Trinidad Chambliss to Russell Wilson, Blake Sims

Ole Miss and head coach Lane Kiffin were without starting quarterback Austin Simmons on Saturday against Arkansas. Instead, they were forced to turn to backup quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who had a standout game in the win.

After the game, Kiffin praised Chambliss. In particular, he compared him to Blake Sims, a quarterback he knows well from his time at Alabama, and Russell Wilson, who has had an excellent career in the NFL. That’s both for how they play the game and the size they’re playing at.

“Yeah, they just said that on the radio,” Lane Kiffin said. “There’s a lot, same jersey number. There’s a lot of Blake Simms in there. The quick feet, similar body structure and size, and the ability to release the ball really well for not a really tall guy and find windows. So, yeah, there’s a lot of Blake Simms in there. I’m not saying he’s Russell Wilson, don’t get me wrong, but there’s some similarities in that kind of in the it factor and how he moves and holds himself, you know, that I’ve kind of said that since he’s gotten here.”

Blake Sims played for a season at Alabama under Lane Kiffin. There, Sims had the best season of his college career when paired with Kiffin. Russell Wilson, meanwhile, may have never played for the Ole Miss head coach, but he’s had a long enough run of success in the NFL that makes for a good comparison stylistically for many fans.

Trinidad Chambliss came to Ole Miss as a two-time Division II champion at Ferris State from 2022 to 2024 before transferring to Ole Miss. The expectation was that he’d be the backup, but Austin Simmons was banged up against Kentucky, forcing him out of that game with an ankle issue. He’d later be a game-time decision, but Lane Kiffin would go with Chambliss to start the game.

Against Arkansas, Chambliss completed 21 of 29 passes for 353 yards and one passing touchdown. He also had 52 rushing yards and another two touchdowns on the ground.

In what is a bit of a difficult situation, Chambliss would suffer a hand injury. That forced a banged up Simmons into the game, where he threw a touchdown pass. He’d go off the field with a notable limp after that. Chambliss would get his thumb taped and be able to return after that. That was lucky for Ole Miss, because it would be difficult to imagine Simmons continuing to play on his injury. However, Simmons did re-aggravate his ankle, as Kiffin shared.

“Austin came in and made a huge touchdown throw. Unfortunately, I think Austin hurt himself on that drive, but I am really proud of Austin for going out there and making a big play in the situation,” Kiffin said postgame. “We had to check to a run on a play, and he made the big first down, and I think he re-aggravated it. So Austin’s going to be a great player, and he has done great things for us. I just had to make a decision today to go with Trinidad. I guess, luckily, it worked. It’s easier to answer the question when it worked.”

Next up for Ole Miss is a difficult test against one of the Group of Five’s best teams, Tulane. The Green Wave are traveling to Oxford on Saturday, September 20th, for a 3:30 p.m. EST kickoff. Who Lane Kiffin plays at quarterback, however, remains to be seen.