NCAA adopts five‑year, five‑season eligibility rule for Division I athletes

The NCAA Division I Cabinet unanimously approved a new eligibility model that allows student‑athletes to compete in five seasons over a five‑year period. The clock starts either with the athlete’s first full‑time enrollment or the academic year after their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. The change is intended to simplify roster management, reduce transfer‑portal chaos and eliminate most eligibility waivers, with exceptions only for religious missions, maternity leave or active‑duty military service.

The rule, set to take effect this fall, will apply to athletes enrolling in 2027‑28. Current athletes with eligibility beyond the 2025‑26 academic year can choose the new age‑based model or remain under the old system, but must submit any waiver requests by July 31. The NCAA estimates the policy will affect roughly 350 Division I schools and about 200,000 athletes. NCAA President Charlie Baker said the previous rules “should be easier to understand,” and legal experts expect the new framework to limit future eligibility litigation.