NCAA Division I Cabinet OK's 5-year, age-based eligibility
The NCAA Division I Cabinet approved a new eligibility model allowing athletes five seasons of competition over a five-year period. The rules start with the 2026-27 academic year and will be fully implemented for the fall 2027 incoming class. This overhaul removes most redshirt rules and eligibility extension waivers.
What changed
The NCAA shifted from a model of five years to complete four seasons of competition to a five-year, age-based eligibility system.
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NCAA Division I Cabinet Unanimously Approves Age-Based Eligibility Model
confidence 100%The NCAA Division I Cabinet approved a new eligibility model allowing athletes five seasons of competition over a five-year period. The rules start with the 2026-27 academic year and will be fully implemented for the fall 2027 incoming class. This overhaul removes most redshirt rules and eligibility extension waivers.
What's confirmed:
- The Division I Cabinet unanimously approved the new eligibility model on Tuesday.
- Eligible athletes can compete for five seasons over a five-year period starting at full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever is first.
- The new rules eliminate redshirt rules, season-of-competition limits, and most eligibility extension waivers.
- Exceptions for extended eligibility remain for maternity leave, religious missions, or active-duty military service.
- Changes begin with the 2026-27 academic year and are fully implemented for the fall 2027 incoming class.
- Josh Whitman, chair of the Cabinet and Illinois athletics director, stated the changes provide rules that are simpler to administer and easier to predict for roster management.
Still unconfirmed:
- The new rule could prompt lawsuits from graduated seniors seeking to play another season.
- The change may prompt more lawsuits in general.