INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I period of eligibility rules are changing starting with the 2026-27 academic year.
The new age-based eligibility rule establishes a single five-year eligibility period tied to age and college enrollment, replacing rules that counted seasons of competition and included multiple waiver options and rules that varied by sport.
The new rules make eligibility easier to administer and more predictable for student-athletes, families, coaches, compliance staff and schools.
Under the new Division I age-based eligibility rule, student-athletes who meet all eligibility requirements and enter college no later than the academic year after their 19th birthday generally will have up to five years of eligibility. The age-based rule centers on a student-athlete’s age and when the student enrolls full time in college, and it does not guarantee five years for all student-athletes, particularly those who delay enrollment.
To learn more about the new rules, CLICK HERE.
