Earlier this week, it was reported that Ole Miss backup QB Trinidad Chabliss was expected to make his third consecutive start on Saturday against LSU. Chambliss has taken over the Rebel offense in the absence of Austin Simmons, who has missed the last two weeks with an ankle injury. However, Simmons is no longer listed on the Ole Miss injury report, leaving college football fans wondering if there's a chance that he does in fact suit up against the Tigers.
As a guest on the Pat McAfee Show earlier this week, Lane Kiffin joked about the situation when McAfee asked about who Ole Miss' QB1 will be against LSU. "That's news to me that I've announced who's playing quarterback against LSU," Kiffin joked. "I will go down and tell our staff right now."
Ole Miss QB situation heading into Magnolia Bowl
So will it be Chambliss? Or will it be Simmons? Or will LSU see both quarterbacks on Saturday?
"No, we haven't made that decision yet," Kiffin continued. "I do think we have a good team, and we've done some good things and both those quarterbacks are really really good players. So, it's exciting to have them both."
Chambliss has shined as the starter of the last two weeks, leading the Rebels to wins over Arkansas and Tulane. The Ferris State transfer and Division II national champion has completed 67.7% of his passes for 719 yards while rushing for 195 yards on 36 carries on the season. He's accounted for five total touchdowns without turning the ball over - something that has plagued Simmons early on this season.
Simmons has racked up 580 passing yards and 69 rushing yards on 16 carries. He's tossed four touchdown passes and ran for a score against Kentucky, but he's thrown four interceptions on just 56 pass attempts.
Chambliss is rolling, so it would be a bit surprising to see him not get the starting nod. Kiffin made it clear that Simmons' health is the No. 1 priority regarding his return to the field, so if he is not 100%, he most likely won't see action against LSU.
The LSU defense has to be ready for anything. Kiffin has become a master of trolling and mind games, and seeing both quarterbacks in action seems well within the realm of possibility. The Ole Miss offense is putting up over 44 points per game so far this season, making this matchup the toughest assignment for Blake Baker's defense up to this point in the season. At the same time, LSU's revamped defense presents the toughest challenge for Ole Miss' offense so far in 2025. Oddsmakers are expecting a closely-contest battle, and it should be an entertaining matchup to watch unfold.