NCAA is considering five years of eligibility for all athletes

The NCAA is considering new legislation granting all players five years of eligibility. Jon Rothstein of College Hoops Today first reported the news on Friday.

NCAA student-athletes currently have four years of eligibility to use in a five-year window. It’s not uncommon for football players to redshirt their freshman season and play four seasons following their redshirt year. Other players have applied for redshirt seasons as sophomores, juniors, or seniors due to injuries or other circumstances.

It’s unclear if the NCAA would still allow players to use redshirt seasons if this new rule passes.

There is no timetable for a decision. Rothstein reported that the NCAA will continue to discuss the issue early this year.

Why is the NCAA discussing this change?

The NCAA granted players five years of eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the final season in which “COVID seniors” will use their fifth year of eligibility.