NCAA five-year eligibility rule spurs Division III grad transfers and boosts Oregon Ducks freshman tight end

The NCAA Division I Cabinet voted to adopt a five‑year, age‑based eligibility structure, counting a player’s eligibility window from initial enrollment rather than seasons played. This change opens a new recruiting market for Division III athletes who graduate with remaining eligibility, allowing them to transfer to Division I programs as graduate students. A typical scenario involves a D‑III All‑American guard who, after four seasons and a bachelor's degree, can still compete at the D‑I level for an additional year.

Oregon Ducks football also feels the impact. With the departure of tight end Kenyon Sadiq to the NFL, the Ducks look to freshman tight end Kendre Harrison, a 6‑7, 243‑pound multi‑sport athlete, to fill the void. Analysts note that under the new rule Harrison could see immediate playing time, helping the Ducks’ offensive transition. Coach Dan Lanning anticipates that the tighter eligibility clock will push programs to rely more on younger talent like Harrison in the 2025 season.