Ferris State’s national championship-winning quarterback has found his new home.
Trinidad Chambliss, from Grand Rapids, will make the leap from Division II to the Football Bowl Subdivision, after committing to Ole Miss on Tuesday. Chambliss confirmed the news on social media.
Last week, Chambliss announced he was entering the transfer portal.
“The journey I’ve had here at Ferris State University has been nothing short of amazing and life-changing,” Chambliss wrote on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this month. “I am deeply grateful for everything the university and Bulldog community have done for me.”
Chambliss, a 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, played 23 games for Ferris State over the last two seasons, including 15 in 2024, in leading the Bulldogs to their third Division II national championship in the last four years. This past season, he threw for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns (to six interceptions), and rushed for 1,019 yards and 25 TDs.
Chambliss was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, otherwise known as the DII Heisman, losing out to Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski, who won the award in 2023 and 2024. Chambliss was a first-team All-American.
His departure is one of several expected from Ferris State this offseason, as FBS schools go looking for DII stars who can make the jump up two levels. Ferris State’s championship pedigree has proven to be a strong selling point for recruiters across the country.
“He kept me in the loop, which I appreciate,” Ferris State head coach Tony Annese said Tuesday night. “He’s been very respectful of our program,. which I appreciate. A super young man.
“I love him as a football player, but more as a person.”
This offseason, Ferris State also has lost offensive lineman Lawrence Hattar (Livonia Churchill) to Michigan, and is expected to lose offensive lineman Bryce George (Detroit Edison) and defensive back Jacarvis Alexandre.
This roster movement is all new to Annese, Ferris State’s head coach since December 2011.
“It’s just a different dynamic,” Annese said. “And it’s something where you’re pleased for your guys, but you’re not pleased with the way things are evolving.
“It’s just going to be the reality.”
Chambliss will have two years of eligibility left at Ole Miss, which is losing star quarterback Jaxson Dart to the NFL Draft after he threw for 4,279 yards in 2024, when the Rebels finished fourth in the SEC and had a 10-3 record, including a bowl victory over Duke. Louisville transfer quarterback Pierce Clarkson also has joined Ole Miss this offseason.
Ole Miss is coached by Lane Kiffin, a former quarterback himself.
In 2024, Ferris State reeled off 14 consecutive victories after a season-opening loss. The season culminated with a dominating 49-14 win over Valdosta State, with Chambliss throwing for three TDs and running for two more. Chambliss’ 51 total TDs led college football, across all divisions. Annese said Chambliss ran the offense “to perfection.”
“During my time at Ferris State, I have grown both as a student and as an athlete,” Chambliss wrote on X. “I am truly appreciative of the coaching staff, my teammates, the athletic department, and the entire Bulldog community for helping shape me into the student-athlete I am today.
“A special thank you goes to Coach Annese and the entire coaching staff for their guidance and support throughout my time at Ferris. The love they’ve shown me has been life-changing, and I will forever be grateful.”
Ferris State’s quarterback well still is plenty full, with Carson Gulker coming back. He’s played three seasons at Ferris State, and rushed for 31 touchdowns for the Bulldogs during his redshirt freshman season. Chase Carter and Wyatt Bower (Corunna) also are expected to be back this season.
tpaul@detroitnews.com
@tonypaul1984
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