The spotlight was bright in Glendale, Arizona, as the Ole Miss Rebels and Miami Hurricanes clashed in a College Football Playoff semifinal that had fans on the edge of their seats. But while the gridiron drama unfolded at State Farm Stadium on January 8, 2026, much of the conversation swirled around the remarkable rise of Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss—and the unwavering support from his girlfriend, Division I athlete Alina Anderson, whose presence both online and in the stands has become a story in its own right.
Chambliss, in his first season with the Rebels after transferring from Division II Ferris State, has been nothing short of sensational. He led Ole Miss to a 13-1 regular season record, topping the SEC standings at 7-1, and powered the team through a heart-stopping 39-34 quarterfinal victory over Georgia Bulldogs on January 1 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. That win, which saw Chambliss complete 30-of-46 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns, set a school record for consecutive completions and punched the Rebels’ ticket to Glendale for the semifinal showdown.
As the Rebels prepared for their biggest game in six decades, Anderson took to Instagram to celebrate the journey—and to signal her support for her quarterback. In a carousel post following the quarterfinal win, she shared candid moments of post-game embraces with Chambliss, scenes from the jubilant locker room, and playful outfit checks with friends. Her caption, “About time I use this song!! See ya in AZ🌵✈️🏈,” referenced both the celebratory mood and the next stop on the Rebels’ postseason run. Chambliss himself responded with a simple grinning emoji, a small but telling sign of the couple’s connection amid the high-stakes pressure.
Their relationship, while the subject of social media buzz and sideline camera shots, actually stretches back to their time at Ferris State. Chambliss led the Bulldogs to a Division II national title in December 2024, and Anderson—then a volleyball and basketball standout—was right there, cheering him on. Anderson’s own athletic journey is impressive: after starring at Rockford High School, she played volleyball at Ferris State before transferring to Central Michigan, where she continued to excel in both volleyball and women’s basketball. Even after a move to Mississippi and the glare of SEC football, Anderson’s support for Chambliss has never wavered, with frequent posts celebrating “@olemissfb & weekends in Oxford.”
“Biggest fan of @olemissfb & weekends in Oxford!” Anderson wrote in a December 27 post, reflecting on the Rebels’ first-round CFP win over Tulane. Her Instagram has become a chronicle of the Rebels’ playoff journey, and during the semifinal broadcast, ESPN’s cameras frequently found her in the crowd, celebrating every big moment. Anderson’s athletic credentials are equally noteworthy—despite missing time in the 2025 volleyball season due to injury, she racked up 229 digs in 82 sets and set a personal best with 26 digs against Northern Illinois.
Chambliss, meanwhile, has been rewriting his own narrative. Once off the NFL radar, his breakout season at Ole Miss has turned heads across the nation. In the 2025 campaign, he racked up 3,660 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, while adding 520 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground. His poise and production in the Sugar Bowl win over Georgia had NFL scouts buzzing, with analysts like Destin Adams of AtoZ Sports predicting a meteoric rise up draft boards. “Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss is someone I expect to rise a ton during the draft cycle. NFL teams are higher on him than most realize,” Adams posted. Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema even suggested Chambliss could be the third quarterback off the board in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Yet, Chambliss’ focus has remained on the field and his faith. Coming from a devout Christian family, he’s been quick to credit his success to a higher power. “It’s like a dream come true,” Chambliss said after a September win over LSU. “It’s an amazing accomplishment. Got to thank God for that one, He’s been with me the whole time. I’ve got to thank [head coach Lane Kiffin]—the whole staff here at Ole Miss—for giving me the opportunity to come here and showcase my skill set, showcase what I can do.” After a tight contest against Arkansas, he added, “God’s got me. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was with me the whole time. But I was a little nervous.”
As for his relationship with Anderson, there’s been a mix of public celebration and private discretion. While some outlets have speculated about the status of Chambliss’ love life, citing his preference to keep things under wraps, Anderson’s posts and their shared history at Ferris State paint a clear picture of a supportive partnership. The two Michigan natives have weathered the challenges of distance and the pressures of big-time college sports together, with Anderson often traveling to games alongside Chambliss’ parents, Cheryl and Donald.
On the field in Glendale, Chambliss delivered yet another signature moment. With just over three minutes left in regulation, he orchestrated a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to give Ole Miss a 27-24 lead over Miami—a drive that showcased his poise under pressure and ability to deliver in crunch time. The Rebels’ sideline erupted, and ESPN’s cameras caught Anderson celebrating with family and friends, a testament to the close-knit support system that’s propelled Chambliss throughout his remarkable season.
Anderson’s own journey through college athletics has given her a unique perspective on the highs and lows of postseason play. “When entering the transfer portal, I knew I wanted to stay close to home due to my family,” she once explained. “I have a very great relationship with my family, and they are very important to me. CMU gave me a great chance to be close to them. I also fell in love with the campus feel and how it was a home away from home for me. The professors are great and all my coaches on both the basketball and volleyball team have been fantastic and very caring about me as a person and push me to be a better player.”
Looking ahead, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of the Ole Miss-Miami semifinal will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on January 19 in Miami, where they’ll face the victor of the Indiana-Oregon semifinal. For Chambliss, there’s also the matter of his future—he’s announced his intention to return to Ole Miss in 2026, pending an NCAA eligibility waiver, though the NFL’s call is growing louder by the week.
For now, the Rebels’ dream season lives on. As the clock ticks down in Glendale, the action is still unfolding, and the story of Trinidad Chambliss and Alina Anderson continues to captivate college football fans everywhere. Whether it’s on the field or in the stands, this power couple is making their mark on the biggest stage.
