Division I Cabinet continues discussions of age
NCAA.org • • sports
Key Points:
- The Division I Cabinet discussed implementing an age-based eligibility model that would allow student-athletes up to five years of competition within a five-year window starting after high school graduation or their 19th birthday, potentially replacing current eligibility rules.
- Waivers to extend eligibility would be eliminated under the new model, except for cases involving pregnancy, official religious missions, and active-duty military service, with no expected sport-specific exceptions or grace periods.
- The Cabinet plans to consider a vote on the age-based eligibility model at its June meeting and outlined a phased implementation process based on athletes’ graduation and enrollment timelines.
- Current student-athletes with remaining eligibility after the 2025-26 academic year may have flexibility to choose between the new age-based model or existing rules, while prospects graduating in 2026 or later would be subject only to the age-based model.
- The deadline for submitting hardship waiver requests is July 31, after which waivers will no longer be available for extending eligibility for current student-athletes or prospects.