Mountaintop View 5-1-26: Eligibility Changes, New Mexico and Utah State, UCONN/PAC 12, Transfer, Spring Football

TL;DR

NCAA's new eligibility rules won't grant an extra season to athletes who exhausted their eligibility in 2025-26. UCONN's potential move to the PAC 12 raises questions about feasibility and long-term goals.

Key points

NCAA's new eligibility rules confirmed
No extra season for athletes in 2025-26
UCONN's potential move to PAC 12 questioned
Waivers must be submitted by July 31, 2026
Rivalry between New Mexico and Utah State renewed

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - MARCH 24: Tomislav Buljan #10 of the New Mexico Lobos reacts after hitting a 3-pointer against the Saint Joseph's Hawks during the first half of a quarterfinal game in the 2026 National Invitation Tournament at The Pit on March 24, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Clarity on Eligibility is Coming Soon

Confirmation the NCAA’s new age based eligibility rules won’t give athletes who exhausted eligibility in 2025-26 a 5th season of competition.

Current college athletes with eligibility remaining can choose to utilize old rules or new rules.

Waivers must be in by July 31, 2026.

— Mit Winter (@WinterSportsLaw) April 30, 2026

Two Elite Programs Agree to Keep Their Rivalry Alive

𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙎 𝙍𝙀𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙀𝘿 🗓️

We will face the Lobos this season in Albuquerque, with a game at The Spectrum in 2027-28! pic.twitter.com/4TsLUkGp0t

— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) April 30, 2026

UCONN to the PAC 12? Does It Make Sense?

Let's talk about UCONN to the PAC 12. It really doesn't make sense for UCONN, and ultimately, given the negotiating position it would put both parties in, and the more long-term goals of both the PAC 12 and UCONN, it doesn't make sense for the PAC 12 either.#LETSRUN pic.twitter.com/6vWFtdoncK

— Jason W Kelly (@jasonkredline) April 30, 2026

Keeping Track of PAC 12 Transfers

Our Friends at the Spokesman have you covered on all the latest transfer news.

Post-Spring Predictions for PAC 12 Football Programs

Are the Broncos the clear favorites? Stay tuned, next week we have a lot of great material on the way

Q&A

What are the new NCAA eligibility rules for college athletes?

The new NCAA eligibility rules will not provide an additional season for athletes who exhausted their eligibility in 2025-26, but current athletes can choose between old and new rules.

Why is UCONN considering a move to the PAC 12?

UCONN's consideration of a move to the PAC 12 is under scrutiny, as it may not align with the long-term goals of both UCONN and the PAC 12.

What is the deadline for NCAA eligibility waivers?

The deadline for submitting waivers under the new NCAA eligibility rules is July 31, 2026.