NCAA moves closer to allowing athletes to compete for five seasons, eliminating redshirts

The NCAA moved one step closer to allowing athletes to compete for five seasons and eliminating redshirt seasons.

Monday, the Division I Board of Directors directed the Division I Cabinet to advance a concept that, if adopted, would permit athletes up to five years of eligibility. The potential rule change would not apply to current athletes who competed or are competing in the 2025-26 academic year.

“The time is now to reform the period of eligibility rules to provide Division I student-athletes and our schools clear and consistent standards that align with current college athletes’ experiences,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands, who serves as board chairman.

The athletes’ eligibility timetable begins with the academic year after they turn 19 or graduate from high school — whichever happens first. The proposal also requires schools to cover tuition for athletes to finish their education for up to 10 years should they leave the institution before completing a degree.

“The new age-based model produced by the Cabinet and discussed by the board today is a great step forward in simplifying and stabilizing college sports, especially football,” Michigan State football player and board member Sam Edwards said in a news release. “In addition to clearly defining an age range of college players, it allows student-athletes to compete over the entirety of their eligibility period.”

The Board of Directors consists of 11 institutional leaders, three athletes, one athletic director and one faculty representative. The 20-member Division I Cabinet, which has decision-making power, will further discuss the topic at its May 22 meeting.