NCAA to Vote on Age-Based “5-in-5” Eligibility Model

The NCAA Division I Cabinet will vote in June on an age-based eligibility model, the “5-in-5” rule, which starts the eligibility clock at the later of high-school graduation or an athlete’s 19th birthday, allowing five seasons in five years and removing waivers except for pregnancy, religious missions, and active-duty military service.

NCAA Expected To Vote On Age-Based Eligibility Model In June, But Hockey Pushes Back

The plan follows 80 lawsuits claiming the NCAA’s four-season, five-year rule limits athletes’ ability to compete and earn from NIL rights. Eligibility is tied to a five-year academic window. The May 22 Cabinet meeting discussed applying the model to 2026-2027 high-school graduates, excluding those already in litigation, such as former Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson.

NCAA to Consider Vote on Age-Based Eligibility Rules in June

The model replaces the four-season limit with five seasons in five years. In Division-I men’s hockey, 99 % of 2025 freshmen came from junior leagues and 80 % of 509 freshmen were 20-21 years old. The NCAA set a July 31 deadline for hardship waiver requests.

NCAA Expected To Vote On Age-Based Eligibility Model In June, But Hockey Pushes Back

The NCAA press release says the age-based model will “clamp down on redshirt seasons and waiver requests,” keeping only three limited exceptions. Schools may apply the new model or retain the existing four-season framework for current athletes after 2025-26, whichever benefits the student-athlete.

NCAA Expected To Vote On Age-Based Eligibility Model In June, But Hockey Pushes Back

Hockey officials, led by NCHC commissioner Heather Weems and College Hockey Insider’s Mike McMahon, argue the rule would disrupt the sport’s development pipeline that relies on junior-league experience. They propose starting the eligibility clock at age 19 or college enrollment, whichever is earlier. NIL attorney Ryan P. Mulvaney calls the delayed vote “strategic” and predicts litigation, calling the rule “fundamentally unfair” to athletes whose eligibility would end before the new five-year window.

NCAA Expected To Vote On Age-Based Eligibility Model In June, But Hockey Pushes BackNCAA Considers '5-in'5' Rule That Would Create Age-Based Eligibility Model - row2k.comNCAA to Consider Vote on Age-Based Eligibility Rules in June

• “I think we all anticipate litigation on this issue once voted on though, let’s be honest here, the NCAA’s delay in today’s vote is indeed with strategic purpose.” — Ryan P. Mulvaney, NIL attorney

NCAA Expected To Vote On Age-Based Eligibility Model In June, But Hockey Pushes Back

• “It’s not a loophole.” — Heather Weems, NCHC commissioner

NCAA Expected To Vote On Age-Based Eligibility Model In June, But Hockey Pushes Back

• “I think it goes to show how much it would interrupt the hockey ecosystem for players at that age,” — Mike McMahon, College Hockey Insider

NCAA Expected To Vote On Age-Based Eligibility Model In June, But Hockey Pushes Back

• “Under the age-based model, waivers would no longer be available to extend eligibility, with exceptions for pregnancy, official religious missions and active-duty military service, provided the student-athlete does not participate in organized competition,” — NCAA

NCAA Expected To Vote On Age-Based Eligibility Model In June, But Hockey Pushes Back

Legal analysts warn the rule could trigger right-to-work or breach-of-contract suits, yet no case has been filed. The NCAA has not explained how the model applies to the Intercollegiate Rowing Association, which follows most NCAA rules but is not governed by the NCAA.

NCAA Considers '5-in'5' Rule That Would Create Age-Based Eligibility Model - row2k.com

The Division-I Cabinet is slated to vote in late June. If approved, the rule could take effect after the 2026 spring season. Schools must submit hardship waiver requests by July 31; after that date, no extensions will be granted.

NCAA Considers '5-in'5' Rule That Would Create Age-Based Eligibility Model - row2k.com