NCAA approves ‘age-based’ eligibility model for 2026-27

The NCAA has approved a new age-based eligibility model for Division I athletes, effective for the 2026-27 season. Under these updated rules, athletes are granted five years to compete in five seasons. This period begins either upon their initial college enrollment or during the academic year following their 19th birthday, depending on which event occurs first. The Division I Cabinet officially adopted these changes to modify the current competition framework for student-athletes.