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In a move that gives more flexibility to student-athletes and streamlines regulations, the NCAA Division I Cabinet on Tuesday approved its “five-for-five” plan, an age-based eligibility model, in which an athlete will receive five years of eligibility — up from the traditional four years — to be used in five years.
The Cabinet’s decision is not final until its meeting concludes Wednesday.
It’s the latest move by the NCAA, under pressure because of repeated losses in the courtroom, to give student-athletes more freedom. The plan follows the relaxing of transfer rules and the approval of name, image and likeness payments over the past decade.
Under the “five-for-five” plan:
*Student-athletes would have five years of eligibility that can be used in a continuous five-year period. This replaces the current model in which student-athletes have four years of eligibility to be completed over a five-year period.
*The practice of redshirting, or athletes sitting out a full season upon enrollment or playing in fewer games than a designated limit to preserve a year of eligibility, no longer will exist. For the most part, the NCAA no longer will grant medical or hardship waivers to preserve a year of eligibility. There will be limited waivers for particular circumstances such as military service, religious missions and for athletes who become pregnant.
*The five-year period for athletes to complete their eligibility begins upon initial full-time enrollment in any college or at the start of the academic year immediately following their 19th birthday, whichever is earlier.
The changes will begin with the 2026-27 season and apply to 2026 high school graduates. Athletes who completed their four years of eligibility in the 2025-26 season would receive no additional eligibility. Athletes who are enrolled and have eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 school year will have the ability to gain eligibility under the “five-for-five” plan or to continue under the previous rules, whichever is more beneficial to the athlete. Any waivers pertaining to eligibility under current rules must be submitted by schools and conferences by July 31.
Go Gophers!!
The Cabinet’s decision is not final until its meeting concludes Wednesday.
It’s the latest move by the NCAA, under pressure because of repeated losses in the courtroom, to give student-athletes more freedom. The plan follows the relaxing of transfer rules and the approval of name, image and likeness payments over the past decade.
Under the “five-for-five” plan:
*Student-athletes would have five years of eligibility that can be used in a continuous five-year period. This replaces the current model in which student-athletes have four years of eligibility to be completed over a five-year period.
*The practice of redshirting, or athletes sitting out a full season upon enrollment or playing in fewer games than a designated limit to preserve a year of eligibility, no longer will exist. For the most part, the NCAA no longer will grant medical or hardship waivers to preserve a year of eligibility. There will be limited waivers for particular circumstances such as military service, religious missions and for athletes who become pregnant.
*The five-year period for athletes to complete their eligibility begins upon initial full-time enrollment in any college or at the start of the academic year immediately following their 19th birthday, whichever is earlier.
The changes will begin with the 2026-27 season and apply to 2026 high school graduates. Athletes who completed their four years of eligibility in the 2025-26 season would receive no additional eligibility. Athletes who are enrolled and have eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 school year will have the ability to gain eligibility under the “five-for-five” plan or to continue under the previous rules, whichever is more beneficial to the athlete. Any waivers pertaining to eligibility under current rules must be submitted by schools and conferences by July 31.
Go Gophers!!
