Live Feeds
● LIVE Updated 14d ago · 18 sources tracked

The NCAA's new five-to-play-five rule will cure Game Five-itis by eliminating a major leverage point

The NCAA has adopted a new rule allowing Division I athletes five years to play five seasons. The change aims to replace the previous system of redshirt years and waivers with a structured age-based clock. A lawsuit challenging the rule has already been filed in Ohio.

RSS Source map (18)

What changed

Athletes now have five years to play five seasons instead of five years to complete four seasons of competition.

Live updates

  1. NCAA Approves New Age-Based Five-Year Eligibility Model

    The NCAA has adopted a new rule allowing Division I athletes five years to play five seasons. The change aims to replace the previous system of redshirt years and waivers with a structured age-based clock. A lawsuit challenging the rule has already been filed in Ohio.

    What's confirmed:

    • The NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes allowing five years to play five seasons.
    • The eligibility clock begins at enrollment or on the athlete's 19th birthday.
    • The new rule eliminates redshirt years and waivers.
    • A lawsuit challenging the new eligibility rules was filed in Ohio.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The rule will go into effect for prospects enrolling in college in fall 2027.
    confidence 90%