NCAA to vote on ‘age-based eligibility’ next month
Athletes would have 5 years to play 5 seasons under new rule
Olivia Bennett 
The NCAA is moving closer to a major shift in how student-athletes compete, with the proposed “5 to play 5” model gaining significant momentum.
A New Era of Eligibility
The Division I Cabinet is set to cast a formal vote on this age-based eligibility proposal during its meeting next month, as announced on Friday. If approved, the rule would grant athletes five years to complete five seasons of competition. Under this framework, traditional redshirting would be eliminated, with exceptions reserved only for specific circumstances such as pregnancy, religious missionary work, or military service.
The eligibility clock for future athletes would officially start upon high school graduation or the athlete's 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. According to 205focus.com, current students and future recruits would be subject to the following transition guidelines:
- Completed eligibility by spring 2026: No additional eligibility permitted.
- Currently enrolled with remaining eligibility: Institutions may choose to grant an additional year or maintain the existing four-year structure.
- High school graduates starting in spring 2026: Subject exclusively to the new age-based model.
- Graduates prior to spring 2026 not yet enrolled: Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Additionally, the NCAA has set a firm deadline of July 31 for current athletes to submit eligibility waiver requests. No waivers will be processed after that date.
