NCAA Updates Eligibility Rules

The NCAA is shaking things up when it comes to eligibility rules.

Recently, the Division I Cabinet gave the green light to a new, age-based eligibility model that athletes can start using. It’s been a long time coming—calls for these changes began back in April.

So, what’s the deal? Under this new model, college athletes will get five years of eligibility, kicking off either when they enroll or when they turn 19. This seems pretty straightforward, right?

This adjustment aims to give colleges and players a clearer path regarding eligibility, hopefully cutting down on the number of annual lawsuits. I mean, it might also mean fewer discussions around redshirts and waivers, which can be quite the headache.

There are still a few specific scenarios where you can extend your eligibility, though. This includes things like taking time off for religious reasons, maternity leave, or military service. Not a lot of wiggle room there.

Importantly, this new rule doesn’t affect athletes who are already in college sports before the 2025-26 season. They can choose to stick with the old system or shift over to the new rules. It’s interesting to think about how that will play out. All new athletes coming in for the 2027-28 season will have to follow the five-year model, though.

Additionally, if an athlete thinks they might benefit from a waiver, they’ll need to get their application in by July 31st. It’s a bit of a deadline pressure, I suppose.

NCAA President Charlie Baker mentioned that while the previous rules served the organization for a long time, there was a clear message from members and student-athletes: the eligibility rules should be simpler to grasp. He emphasized that this age-based model eliminates some of the tricky parts that have made things difficult in the current environment. It also aligns eligibility more closely with what’s typical in college admissions and graduations. After all, about 98% of NCAA student-athletes end up going pro in fields outside of sports.

Moreover, this change is expected to clarify eligibility frameworks and potentially reduce legal headaches surrounding how time is counted for eligibility. Take, for example, cases like Diego Pavia and Trinidad Chambliss, who argued time spent in junior college shouldn’t be counted against NCAA eligibility.

This new structure might significantly affect international athletes, particularly those from Europe, who often enter college at an older age. For them, the clock starts ticking when they either enroll or hit 19, which could limit their ability to stay in college through their 20s.

Still, it’s worth noting that this shift doesn’t entirely shield the NCAA from antitrust lawsuits. There are definitely some legal challenges on the horizon.