NCAA Division I board: No plans to change age-based eligibility

The NCAA Division I board of directors confirmed Thursday that there are no plans to alter the new age-based eligibility model. Despite a wave of lawsuits filed by athletes across the country, the organization stands firm on the policy. The rule dictates that athletes have five seasons of competition over a five-year period, starting either with full-time enrollment or the year following their 19th birthday. Exceptions for injuries are no longer permitted under these updated guidelines.

The policy move has sparked significant legal pushback. Several student-athletes argue that the model prevents them from continuing their college careers. In response to the growing legal pressure, the board maintains that the rules are consistent and intended to ensure all member institutions compete under the same standards. This stance remains steady even as various court cases result in preliminary injunctions for athletes seeking additional time.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey recently noted that while the conference supports the rule, some leaders remain concerned about its timing. There is ongoing discussion regarding whether federal legislation, such as the Protect College Sports Act, might eventually offer a solution to the eligibility landscape. For now, the NCAA is moving forward with the plan as originally designed, emphasizing a need for uniformity across the entire Division I landscape.

The shift effectively eliminates most waivers, including those once granted for medical redshirts. Athletes whose eligibility expired by the spring of 2026 under traditional frameworks will not be granted a fifth year of play. The NCAA maintains that the policy underwent a thoughtful development process before receiving unanimous support from its cabinet members. As the legal battles proceed, the board continues to emphasize enforcement of these specific standards for all participants.