NCAA Division I adopts age-based, 5-year eligibility model that eliminates redshirts, waivers
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The NCAA Division I Cabinet has unanimously approved an age-based, five-year eligibility model to replace the current system allowing four seasons of competition over five years without age limits, pending final approval after Wednesday's meeting.
- The new model will take effect for athletes enrolling full-time in college starting fall 2027, with current and 2026 incoming student-athletes allowed to choose the more beneficial eligibility model.
- Eligibility will begin at full-time college enrollment or the academic year after the athlete's 19th birthday, whichever comes first, and waivers, including hardship and redshirt exceptions, will be eliminated under the new system.
- Exceptions to the eligibility clock include pregnancy, active-duty military service, and official religious missions, allowing student-athletes to delay or pause eligibility without competing in organized sports during that period.
- Student-athletes must submit any waiver requests related to previous rules by July 31, after which no further waivers or extensions under the old system will be granted.
