Story perspectives

New NCAA Rule Sparks Eligibility Concerns for Players

10/14/2025

Summary

Story summary

The NCAA's '5-in-5' rule would give players five seasons of eligibility in five years, eliminating the redshirt year.
Big Ten coaches say the rule would take effect no earlier than the 2026-27 season, creating implementation uncertainty.
The change could reduce roster spots for incoming recruits and push more athletes toward junior colleges.
Purdue's Braden Smith and UCLA's Donovan Dent face eligibility uncertainty because timing could affect an extra year.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA's 2021 eligibility changes, allowing athletes to benefit from additional seasons, stemmed from earlier reforms like the 2015 decision permitting transfers without losing eligibility. These shifts, including the proposed '5-in-5' rule, could reshape recruitment dynamics and increase junior college enrollments, reflecting a broader trend towards greater flexibility in college sports and athlete pathways.

1 of 2

Story summary

The NCAA's '5-in-5' rule would give players five seasons of eligibility in five years, eliminating the redshirt year.
Big Ten coaches say the rule would take effect no earlier than the 2026-27 season, creating implementation uncertainty.
The change could reduce roster spots for incoming recruits and push more athletes toward junior colleges.
Purdue's Braden Smith and UCLA's Donovan Dent face eligibility uncertainty because timing could affect an extra year.

1 / 2