The Luke Ferrelli saga could turn things very ugly very quick for the Ole Miss Rebels.
The NCAA's investigation would mean a lot on Pete Golding's plate at once, given that they are already awaiting the decision on Trinidad Chambliss's preliminary injunction.
Until the verdict comes, everyone from the program to the NFL scouts are left in limbo, guessing where Chambliss would end up.
ESPN's Eli Lederman, Max Olson and Adam Rittenberg are doubling down on the 'growing optimism' surrounding Chambliss getting his additional year in college football.
ESPN gives relieveing prediction on Trinidad Chambliss at QB1
The ESPN insiders predicted Chambliss to start the Rebels 2026 season.
"Well, this one's gonna be interesting. The unexpected superstar from Division II Ferris State is attempting to get a sixth year of eligibility after the NCAA denied his waiver request on Jan. 9 and has hired attorney Tom Mars to wage this war through appeals and a lawsuit. New coach Pete Golding and his staff are fully committed to Chambliss being their QB1 in 2026 and need this to all work out," they write.
"Chambliss finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting during his debut season in Oxford and could be even better next year if he's allowed to stay in school."
The impending verdict makes the situation that much precarious for Golding.
On one hand, he is already low on QB options were Chambliss denied the injunction.
He will have to fall back on either Deuce Knight or Walker Howard. He can't add more depth to the QB room, because he has already promised the QB1 role to Chambliss.
The best Golding can do is wait for now and deal with the consequences when the verdict is out.