As Trinidad Chambliss powers Ole Miss past ranked opponents, the veteran quarterback emerges as a formidable threat to Darian Mensah’s historic efficiency and Heisman Trophy aspirations.
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Miami Hurricanes’ Darian Mensah leads all Football Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks in completion percentage (89.9) and is tied for second in passing touchdowns (11), which is enough for Heisman Trophy conversations, but a strong challenger presents themself.
The Ole Miss Rebels start the 2026 college football season with a 3-0 record, including two wins over ranked opponents (No. 24 Louisville and No. 7 LSU). Leading the charge in both was quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. He fought through the legal courts against the NCAA in late spring to return for a sixth season and the Rebels are currently reaping the reward.
In the season opener against the Cardinals, Chambliss completed 21 of 36 passes (58.3 percent) and threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, including an interception. He led the Rebels to a 41-38 win, which included five lead changes.
A couple of weeks later against LSU, the 24-year-old shined on primetime. The main headline was head coach Lane Kiffins’ return to Oxford and Chambliss helped the fanbase receive closure on the controversial departure. He completed 33 of 48 passes (68.8 percent) and threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns, including an interception.
In the latest Heisman Trophy poll by On3, Chambliss surged to the top, over Mensah (No. 3) and wide receiver Malachi Toney (No. 4). Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor is second on the list. He’s led the Bulldogs to a 3-0 record and thrown for 832 yards and 11 touchdowns, including an interception.
The only way for Mensah to keep the race tight would be a win over Notre Dame at South Bend, Indiana. It will very likely be the biggest regular-season matchup of the 21-year-old’s collegiate career. Mensah hasn’t faced an opponent that was ranked the same week as the scheduled matchup. The Fighting Irish will change that, with a hostile environment to come along with the experience.
In the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals of the College Football Playoffs, Chambliss’ season ended at the hands of the Hurricanes, 31-27, with quarterback Carson Beck finishing the game with a three-yard game-winning rushing touchdown.
The two National Championship contenders and Heisman Trophy candidates could meet again on the biggest stages of college football.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
