NCAA approves landmark five-year eligibility rule

In a move that stands to change the foundation of college sports as fans know it, the NCAA approved an age-based eligibility model that will put a hard cap on the amount of time student-athletes can compete in collegiate athletics.

>The new system implements a five-year eligibility window, which starts either upon full-time enrollment at a university or the start of the academic year after a student-athlete's 19th birthday, whichever comes first.

>Reports indicate that while there will be exceptions, they will be limited to circumstances like religious missions, maternity leave and military service.

>Redshirting will essentially no longer be part of the college sports landscape under the new rules, which are expected to be confirmed during the final day of the Division I Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

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NCAA DI Cabinet has unanimously voted to adopt the age-based eligibility policy, sources tell @YahooSports - a historic moment.

Policy starts an athlete’s clock upon (1) initial enrollment in college or (2) start of academic year after 19th birthday (whichever occurs earlier).

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) June 23, 2026

>The new eligibility rule is expected to be applicable to incoming freshmen. Currently enrolled athletes and their universities have the ability to operate under the old model or the new model.

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>This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: NCAA approves landmark '5 years to play 5 seasons' eligibility model