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NCAA moves closer to allowing athletes to compete for five seasons, eliminating redshirts
TL;DR
The NCAA is moving towards allowing athletes to compete for five seasons by eliminating redshirt years. This potential rule change aims to provide clearer eligibility standards for Division I student-athletes.
Key points
- NCAA proposes five seasons of eligibility for athletes
- Redshirt seasons would be eliminated
- Proposal directed by Division I Board of Directors
- Does not apply to current athletes in 2025-26
- Advocated by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands
NCAA moves closer to allowing athletes to compete for five seasons, eliminating redshirts
The NCAA moved one step closer to allowing athletes to compete for five seasons and eliminating redshirt seasons.
Monday, the Division I Board of Directors directed the Division I Cabinet to advance a concept that, if adopted, would permit athletes up to five years of eligibility. The potential rule change would not apply to current athletes who competed or are competing in the 2025-26 academic year.
“The time is now to reform the period of eligibility rules to provide Division I student-athletes and our schools clear and consistent standards that align with current college athletes’ experiences,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands, who serves as board chairman.
The athletes’ eligibility timetable begins with the academic year after they turn 19 or graduate from high school — whichever happens first. The proposal also requires schools to cover tuition for athletes to finish their education for up to 10 years should they leave the institution before completing a degree.
“The new age-based model produced by the Cabinet and discussed by the board today is a great step forward in simplifying and stabilizing college sports, especially football,” Michigan State football player and board member Sam Edwards said in a news release. “In addition to clearly defining an age range of college players, it allows student-athletes to compete over the entirety of their eligibility period.”
The Board of Directors consists of 11 institutional leaders, three athletes, one athletic director and one faculty representative. The 20-member Division I Cabinet, which has decision-making power, will further discuss the topic at its May 22 meeting.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
College Football, Men's College Basketball, Women's College Basketball, College Sports
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Q&A
What is the NCAA's new proposal regarding athlete eligibility?
The NCAA's new proposal would allow athletes to compete for five seasons by eliminating redshirt years.
When would the new NCAA eligibility rules take effect?
The new eligibility rules, if adopted, would not apply to current athletes competing in the 2025-26 academic year.
Who is advocating for the NCAA's eligibility reform?
Virginia Tech President Tim Sands, the board chairman, is advocating for the reform to align eligibility rules with current college athletes' experiences.
