NCAA eligibility changes to eliminate redshirts for 2026 season

The NCAA is implementing a new age-based eligibility model, known as the ‘five-for-five’ rule, set to take effect for the 2026-27 athletic season. This regulation effectively eliminates the traditional redshirt system, meaning all athletes have up to five years of eligibility, but every year played counts toward that total.

College football coaches, including Florida State’s Mike Norvell and Oklahoma State’s Eric Morris, noted that the rule provides greater roster clarity. Previously, coaches had to carefully manage player appearances to preserve redshirt status; under the new rules, they can play freshmen as starters or backups based on merit without the risk of burning an extra year of eligibility.

At Florida State, Norvell expressed confidence that his incoming class can make an immediate impact, specifically mentioning wide receiver Jasen Lopez as a player prepared for early rotation. Similarly, Oklahoma State’s Eric Morris is evaluating freshmen like running back KD Jones and wide receiver Jabarie Thornton for potential rotation roles, as the new rules remove the strategic need to redshirt players to save eligibility.