Ole Miss expected to start QB Trinidad Chambliss against Washington State

The current expectation is that Ole Miss will start Trinidad Chambliss at quarterback on Saturday against Washington State, sources tell On3’s Chris Low and Pete Nakos. The Ferris State transfer has gone 3-0 as a starter as Austin Simmons continues to recover from an ankle injury suffered against Kentucky.

Asked by On3 during the SEC Teleconference call on Wednesday if Chambliss is starting, Kiffin said Ole Miss is still “evaluating” the situation.

“I heard this week he’s in the Heisman race and we don’t know if he’s playing Saturday or not,” Kiffin said.

As Simmons has been sidelined, Chambliss has emerged as a Heisman Trophy contender. He’s thrown for 1,033 yards while rushing for 266 yards and totaling seven touchdowns. Chambliss has only thrown two interceptions, too.

A Division II national champion, Chambliss was 23 of 39 for 314 yards and a touchdown and added 71 rushing yards in a 24-19 win over then-No. 4 LSU before the bye week. He was named AP National Player of the Week for his performance against the Tigers.

A timeline for Simmons’ return remains unclear, but Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin said earlier this week that the quarterback is close to 100%. In three games to open the season, Simmons was 34 of 56 for 580 yards with four touchdowns to four interceptions. He also rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown.

“He is [closer to getting back on the field],” Kiffin said. “Continuing to get closer to 100 percent. He’s not there yet. This week for him was good. We’ll see tomorrow.

“… A lot as far as down the road. He’s not back to 100 percent. We’ll continue to evaluate that and look at everything. We’re in a great place. I mean, we have two great quarterbacks. We have two quarterbacks that are better than a lot of people’s No. 1. It’s awesome to be in this position.”

Ole Miss plays at No. 10 Georgia on Oct. 18 after hosting Washington State this weekend in Oxford. Kickoff on Saturday is set for 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.