NCAA Announces 5-Year Eligibility Model

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AUSTIN, TX - MAY 30: The NCAA logo is displayed field side during the NCAA Division I Regional game between Texas Longhorns and Tarleton State Texans on May 30, 2026, at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Redshirts and five years to play four seasons are no more, according to the NCAA. While the move won’t be finalized until tomorrow, the NCAA announced that moving forward, NCAA players will have five years to play five seasons.

The Division I Cabinet has unanimously voted to approve the age-based eligibility model. Additional details to follow.

The Cabinet’s decision is not final until its meeting concludes Wednesday.

— NCAA News (@NCAA_PR) June 23, 2026

The “age-based eligibility model” is an important note here, as well. The clock will start for an athlete when they turn 19 years old or when they enroll in college, whichever occurs first. Meaning that if someone enrolls in college at 21 years old (looking at you, European basketball players), they won’t get five years, as their clock would have still started when they turned 19 years old. Should be noted that age rule does not apply to those who miss time because of military service, pregnancy, or religious (missions) reasons.

Obviously, lawsuits will be coming from previous athletes. The NCAA already announced that athletes whose eligibility just ended after this Spring 2026 semester will not be eligible for additional seasons. But, according to the rule of the law, it will be effective immediately for current NCAA athletes.

Some more details: Athletes who did not finish their four seasons of eligibility under the old rules who are returning, plus incoming prospects this year, get old rules or new rules, whichever gives them the best outcome. Recruits starting in 2027 are age-based only.… https://t.co/txghIXW9Kl

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) June 23, 2026

So, for example, someone like Benjamin Brahmer is heading into his fourth season of college football and is listed as a senior. Technically, he would be eligible to return to Penn State for the 2027 season if he chooses to do so. So yeah, big change.

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