Ole Miss has built plenty of momentum on the recruiting trail under Pete Golding.
But according to one respected film analyst, the Rebels may have accomplished something even more impressive. They’ve built what could become the best quarterback pipeline in college football.
On the latest recruiting edition of Talk of Champions, host Zach Berry welcomed Brooks Austin of The Film Guy Network to discuss Ole Miss’ quarterback room, the development of Trinidad Chambliss, the future of Deuce Knight and why 2027 commit Keegan Croucher may have one of the highest ceilings of any quarterback prospect in the country. For Austin, it starts with the present, and that’s why he’s so high on Ole Miss entering the 2026 season.
Brooks Austin Is All In on Trinidad Chambliss
Austin didn’t hesitate when discussing Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. In his mind, Chambliss isn’t simply one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. He’s the best returning quarterback in college football.
“I am one of these firm believers that Trinidad Chambliss is the best returning quarterback in college football,” Austin said.
That belief extends beyond statistics. Austin argued that Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy are so talented individually that Ole Miss remains a legitimate College Football Playoff contender despite losing key receivers and navigating a coaching transition following Lane Kiffin’s departure. The analyst even suggested the Rebels should already be viewed as a nine- or ten-win team because of the talent surrounding Chambliss.
The One Area Chambliss Can Still Improve
For as much praise as Austin offered, he did identify one area where Chambliss can continue developing. Red-zone passing. Austin noted that Ole Miss occasionally struggled throwing inside condensed areas of the field last season, leading to tipped passes and tighter throwing windows. When defenses can crowd the line of scrimmage and compress passing lanes, smaller quarterbacks often face additional challenges. Austin believes that’s one of the few remaining areas where Chambliss can continue growing. Outside of that, he sees very few weaknesses.
Why Joe Judge Matters So Much
A major portion of the conversation focused on one coach who may not receive enough public attention, head coach of offense and quarterbacks Joe Judge. Austin repeatedly emphasized that Judge’s decision to remain at Ole Miss after the coaching change was one of the most important developments of the offseason.
While much of the national discussion centered around Lane Kiffin leaving for LSU, Austin believes Judge played an enormous role in the success of Ole Miss’ offense and the development of Chambliss. The former NFL head coach and longtime assistant provides continuity in both terminology and quarterback development.
“I think Joe Judge is a great football coach,” Austin said.
For a quarterback entering his first full season as a starter, that continuity could be invaluable.
Deuce Knight’s Ceiling Remains Massive
The future behind Chambliss may be just as exciting. Austin remains a major believer in Deuce Knight. The former Auburn quarterback and Mississippi native has long been viewed as one of the most gifted athletes in the country, and Austin believes the flashes shown during his limited college action confirmed what many evaluators saw in high school.
“The explosiveness of the athlete is elite,” Austin said.
He pointed to Knight’s combination of size, speed and arm talent as traits that simply can’t be taught. If Chambliss is the present, Knight remains one of the most intriguing pieces of Ole Miss’ future.
Why Keegan Croucher Has Everyone Excited
The player who generated perhaps the most discussion was quarterback commit Keegan Croucher. Fresh off a strong showing at the Elite 11 Finals, Croucher continues to rise nationally, and Austin believes the Baylor School standout possesses a rare ceiling. Standing roughly 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, Croucher physically resembles the prototype NFL quarterback. Austin even compared elements of his game to former Oregon star and current NFL quarterback Justin Herbert. That’s not because Croucher is a finished product. Far from it. Austin acknowledged the young quarterback still needs refinement, particularly with touch throws and ball placement, but the arm talent is undeniable.
“I’d rather teach somebody to back off the gas than wonder if they have it,” Austin said.
Why John David Baker Could Be the Perfect Fit
Austin also expressed confidence in offensive coordinator John David Baker.
One reason stands out, adaptability. Rather than forcing players into a rigid offensive structure, Austin believes Baker has already shown a willingness to tailor schemes around personnel. He pointed to Baker’s lone season at East Carolina as evidence that he can build offenses around the strengths of individual quarterbacks. That’s especially important considering how different Chambliss, Knight and Croucher are as players. Each quarterback brings a unique skill set, and requires different strengths to be emphasized. Austin believes Baker is equipped to handle that challenge.
