The NCAA Division I cabinet has unanimously voted to approve its age-based eligibility model. This will grant athletes five years of eligibility over five seasons, notably eliminating redshirts and waivers.

Understanding the Period of Eligibility

According to the NCAA, the 5 year-period of eligibility begins upon a student-athlete's first full-time enrollment in college or at the beginning of the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. Limited exceptions will be granted for factors such as religious missions, military service, and maternity leave.

The purpose of the age-based model was to eliminate the traditional redshirt system, which allowed collegiate athletes to delay their participation in official competition. In recent years, student-athletes have remained in college longer, prompting criticism of students in their mid-20s competing against younger collegiate athletes.

Effective Dates

While the vote is complete, the Cabinet’s decision will not be finalized until their meeting concludes on Wednesday. The new rule will take effect for those who enroll full-time in college in Fall 2027 and onward. This means that Spring 2026 graduating athletes who have exhausted their four seasons of eligibility will not receive a fifth season.

How Current Student-Athletes are Affected

Schools will have flexibility regarding student-athletes who have remaining eligibility after the current academic year. These student-athletes can either have the age-based model applied to them or continue to follow the original NCAA eligibility rules. Prospects who enroll full time during the 2026-27 academic year will also benefit from this flexibility.