NCAA 5‑to‑Play‑5 rule alters senior eligibility for Alabama, WVU football

The NCAA adopted a new "5‑to‑play‑5" eligibility model that gives student‑athletes five years to compete in five seasons, effectively ending the traditional redshirt. Alabama football’s roster now lists 35 players as seniors, with ten set to exhaust eligibility after the 2026 season and several others eligible to return for an additional year.

West Virginia linebacker Ben Cutter confirmed he will take advantage of the rule to return for a fifth season in 2027, while also planning a post‑football career as a firefighter. Both programs illustrate how the rule reshapes senior player decisions across college football.