​OXFORD — Ole Miss football quarterback Trinidad Chambliss entered last season as a backup quarterback who was off the national radar.He enters 2026 as one of the favorites for the sport’s greatest award. He would be the first Heisman Trophy winner in Ole Miss history.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementChambliss is No. 3 in the preseason 2026 Heisman Trophy odds, per BetMGM on July 13. Chambliss is listed at +900, behind only Texas quarterback Arch Manning (+750) and Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (+750).In 2025, Chambliss took over as Ole Miss’ starter in Week 3. He took the SEC by storm and led the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals.Chambliss finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2025. Here’s how he can win the award in 2026.1 / 54Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss testifies during the hearing in his lawsuit against the NCAA at Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro, Miss., on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Chambliss is looking for a temporary injunction and a permanent injunction against the NCAA for one more year of eligibility.(Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger)Expect Chambliss to put up big statistics in 2026. He averaged 298 passing yards, 39 rushing yards and 2.3 touchdowns per start in 2025. Now he enters with an offseason of first-team reps and a scheme built to his strengths.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementVoting for the Heisman Trophy tends to be based on narrative just as much as statistics or performance.Chambliss’ case to be a compelling vote starts with team success. Even with incredible statistics, Chambliss’ case will be harmed if the Rebels regress in 2026. Because voting closes after conference championship week, Chambliss and the Rebels likely need to be heading to the CFP to make him a contender.If that is the case, Chambliss can complete his two-year arc. He began as an underdog transfer from Division II Ferris State and can end as the most outstanding player in college football.There’s a clear opportunity for a “Heisman Moment” in Week 3. Chambliss will lead the Rebels against former coach Lane Kiffin and LSU in one of the most intriguing games of the season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Rebels will also face Manning and Texas in Week 8. Manning enters as the co-favorite for the Heisman Trophy, so a head-to-head win would boost Chambliss’ case.If Chambliss plays well and lifts Ole Miss wins in those games, it would solidify his case as a strong contender.As expected, the preseason odds indicate Chambliss’ biggest competition comes from other quarterbacks.Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr and Texas quarterback Arch Manning are just ahead of Chambliss.Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (+1100) and Miami quarterback Darian Mensah (+1100) are tied for fourth. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore and Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover are tied for sixth with Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith (+1200).AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOle Miss running back Kewan Lacy is one of the top retu