Who Will Play Starting QB for Ole Miss at the Fiesta Bowl? Questions Surround After Austin Simmons Exit and Trinidad Chambliss Drama

Following a 39-34 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal round, the Ole Miss Rebels will play the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes this Thursday night in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at 7:30 p.m.

With multiple coaches leaving Ole Miss for LSU next season, (including former head coach Lane Kiffin), offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and running backs coach Kevin Smith will coach in Thursday’s bowl game with Pete Golding serving as head coach.

With the NCAA transfer portal open, Ole Miss backup quarterback Austin Simmons signed with Missouri on Jan. 6 to join their team for the 2026 season. He started at quarterback for Ole Miss’ first two games this season.

While Ole Miss got the bad news that its backup quarterback will be gone next season, they got some good news as starting quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has agreed to a new deal to stay in Ole Miss for the 2026 season. Chambliss will need his eligibility waiver request granted first.

NEW: Trinidad Chambliss has agreed to a new deal with Ole Miss pending his eligibility waiver request being granted, @RossDellenger reports🦈

Chambliss is seeking a 6th season of eligibility. https://t.co/uuFooOIdIP pic.twitter.com/bAu6gdZWDg

— On3 (@On3sports) January 5, 2026

Who Will Start at Quarterback For Ole Miss This Thursday?

Starting quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is expected to start for Ole Miss when they face Miami this Thursday. Chambliss’ decision to double down on staying with Ole Miss for next season (upon his waiver being granted) shows that he’s serious about winning a national championship this season.

As of right now, there’s no official word on whether or not backup quarterback Austin Simmons will be active or not for Thursday’s game. Simmons could be looking to shift his focus and time towards preparing to be Missouri’s quarterback, or he could decide to suit up and serve as Chambliss’ backup.

Simmons suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 and lost his starting job to Chambliss for the remainder of the season. With Chambliss announcing his intention to return back to Ole Miss next season, Simmons is likely looking for a place where he can be a starter.

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