Ole Miss football wasted little time responding to a major offseason setback. After the NCAA officially denied quarterback Trinidad Chambliss a sixth year of eligibility, the Rebels moved decisively, landing a massive commitment from former five-star quarterback and Auburn transfer Deuce Knight, a move first reported by Hayes Fawcett.
This commitment represents a pivotal moment for Ole Miss as the program transitions into a new era under head coach Pete Golding. Losing Chambliss, who was one of the most impactful quarterbacks in the country last season, could have left a void. Instead, the Rebels may have found their next centerpiece under center.
Why Deuce Knight Matters
Deuce Knight arrived at Auburn as one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in his recruiting class. A true dual-threat with elite size, speed, and arm talent, Knight fit the prototype of the modern college quarterback. However, his time at Auburn never fully materialized.
BREAKING: Auburn transfer QB Deuce Knight has committed to Ole Miss, @Hayesfawcett3 reportshttps://t.co/otedg4SkzG https://t.co/EVF03qAmv8 pic.twitter.com/9v8LuHNCpO
— On3 (@On3sports) January 11, 2026
Knight saw limited action during his first season, but everything changed when Auburn’s head coach, Hugh Freeze, was fired and Alex Golesh took over the program. With a new system on the way and uncertainty at the position, Knight elected to enter the transfer portal, where interest quickly followed.
Despite minimal opportunities, Knight made the most of his lone start against Mercer. While the level of competition should be considered, his production was eye-opening: 239 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 162 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns on just nine carries.
Those numbers stand out regardless of opponent and showcase exactly why Knight was once viewed as a can’t-miss prospect. Even more significant for Ole Miss, Knight retains his redshirt and still has four years of eligibility remaining, providing invaluable long-term upside for a program looking to sustain success beyond a single season.
Filling the Shoes of Trinidad Chambliss
There’s no sugarcoating the loss of Trinidad Chambliss. According to PFSN CFB QB Impact Grade, Chambliss finished the season as a top-five graded quarterback in the nation, posting an elite 90.3 grade. He led Ole Miss to a historic campaign, guiding the Rebels to a College Football Playoff appearance, two CFP victories, and a thrilling semifinal loss to the Miami Hurricanes.
Replacing that level of production won’t be easy. Knight isn’t being asked to simply manage games; he’s stepping into a role that demands leadership, explosiveness, and consistency. The good news? His skill set aligns perfectly with what Ole Miss has built offensively.
Knight won’t be doing it alone. He’ll have a dynamic running mate in Kewan Lacy, who finished the season as the 7th-highest graded running back nationally (PFSN, 90.1 grade) and 2nd in the country in rushing touchdowns with 20 during the regular season. That backfield combination gives Ole Miss immediate balance and explosiveness, easing the pressure on Knight as he settles into the system.
With Pete Golding now fully in charge and a new offensive coordinator set to implement his vision, questions remain about how much the Rebels’ identity will change post–Lane Kiffin. Still, the foundation is strong, and the addition of a high-ceiling quarterback like Deuce Knight signals that Ole Miss is not rebuilding, it’s reloading.
The Rebels are clearly intent on replicating, and possibly surpassing, their 2025 success as they head into the 2026 season. While expectations will be high and comparisons to Chambliss inevitable, Ole Miss has positioned itself well for the future.
