NCAA adopts 'five-for-five' rule, ending redshirts across college sports
The NCAA approved a blanket five-year clock: athletes have five years to play five seasons, to be completed within five years of high school graduation or turning 19, whichever comes first, with limited exceptions for religious missions, maternity leave, and military service. Redshirts effectively end and the change aims to close waivers and lawsuits that stretched eligibility to six or seven years, potentially altering football development and roster composition while also tightening basketball eligibility by closing international loopholes. Current student-athletes and future prospects face transition rules, including a July 31 deadline for hardship waiver requests and varying application of the new model for cohorts through 2027.
