NCAA proposing major change to eligibility rules: Age-based standards, removal of waivers, redshirts

Key Points:

• The NCAA is considering a new eligibility rule that would limit athletes to five years of eligibility starting from age 19 or after high school graduation, eliminating redshirt years and waivers except for exceptions like maternity leave, military service, or religious missions.
• The NCAA Division I Cabinet is set to review this proposal soon, with potential implementation as early as the fall 2026 academic year, and a phased rollout to avoid negatively impacting current athletes' eligibility.
• This proposed rule aligns with a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which mandates college athletes can only compete for a five-year period and aims to regulate transfer rules, player eligibility, and NIL collectives.
• The executive order faces potential legal challenges regarding the president's authority over NCAA eligibility rules, but the NCAA has expressed appreciation for the administration's attention to these issues.
• Currently, athletes have five years to complete four seasons of varsity play, including allowances for redshirt years and medical waivers, which have led to some athletes competing for six or seven years; the new rule aims to provide a clearer, more balanced eligibility framework.