Five years of eligibility is likely coming and it could shake up the summer

TL;DR

The NCAA is proposing a new rule that would grant all athletes five years of eligibility starting from high school graduation or age 19. This change aims to enhance academic flexibility and address issues with older freshmen entering college sports.

Key points

NCAA proposes five years of eligibility for athletes
Eligibility starts at high school graduation or age 19
Aims to improve academic flexibility for student-athletes

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - MARCH 17: The March Madness logo on the floor before the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament between the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the Providence Friars at KeyBank Center on March 17, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Transfer portal news was pretty slow this weekend and if you’re wondering why, well it’s probably because of what’s happening at the NCAA today.

The proposal from NCAA President Charlie Baker would give all athletes five years of eligibility over five years, beginning with high school graduation or when they turn 19, whichever is earliest. The move by itself makes a lot of sense:

it would actually help with the student part of “student-athlete” as it gives athletes more flexibility in pursuing academic interests
it reduces the current trend of 22 and 23 year-old freshmen with full eligibility
it can potentially simplify the current system where it’s the courts who decide who is eligible

What we don’t know is how this proposal would work. If the rule is implemented this summer, are current seniors grandfathered in? Many are in the portal just in case, but in a lot of cases rosters and NIL budgets are set. Will there be changes to transfer rules? What about medical redshirts and other waivers?

In the case of both Syracuse basketball programs, this decision could have a major impact on the rest of the summer and the final roster pieces added for 26-27. Both teams have rosters spots open- was this intentionally done to give flexibility? It’s hard to know exactly, but if you thought the initial portal period was wild, buckle up because we might be in for a thrilling summer.

Q&A

What is the NCAA's proposal regarding athlete eligibility?

The NCAA's proposal aims to provide all athletes with five years of eligibility starting from their high school graduation or when they turn 19.

How will the five-year eligibility rule affect college sports?

The new rule is expected to reduce the number of older freshmen and simplify eligibility decisions, potentially benefiting both athletes and academic pursuits.

Who proposed the five-year eligibility change in the NCAA?

The proposal was made by NCAA President Charlie Baker.