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The NCAA Division I cabinet has unanimously voted to approve its age-based eligibility model. This will grant athletes five years of eligibility over five seasons, notably eliminating redshirts and waivers.
The eligibility clock starts after the athlete’s high school graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. Limited exceptions will be granted for factors such as religious missions, military service, and maternity leave.
The purpose of the age-based model was to eliminate the traditional redshirt system, which allowed collegiate athletes to delay their participation in official competition. In recent years, student-athletes have remained in college longer, prompting criticism of students in their mid-20s competing against younger collegiate athletes.
While the vote is complete, the Cabinet’s decision will not be finalized until Wednesday. According to a report from The New York Times, the new rule will presumably take effect following the 2025-26 academic year, meaning that Spring 2026 graduating athletes who have exhausted their four seasons of eligibility will not receive a fifth season.
Schools will have flexibility regarding student-athletes who have remaining eligibility after the current academic year. These student-athletes can either have the age-based model applied to them or continue to follow the original NCAA eligibility rules.
Continue reading...
The eligibility clock starts after the athlete’s high school graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. Limited exceptions will be granted for factors such as religious missions, military service, and maternity leave.
The purpose of the age-based model was to eliminate the traditional redshirt system, which allowed collegiate athletes to delay their participation in official competition. In recent years, student-athletes have remained in college longer, prompting criticism of students in their mid-20s competing against younger collegiate athletes.
While the vote is complete, the Cabinet’s decision will not be finalized until Wednesday. According to a report from The New York Times, the new rule will presumably take effect following the 2025-26 academic year, meaning that Spring 2026 graduating athletes who have exhausted their four seasons of eligibility will not receive a fifth season.
Schools will have flexibility regarding student-athletes who have remaining eligibility after the current academic year. These student-athletes can either have the age-based model applied to them or continue to follow the original NCAA eligibility rules.
Continue reading...
