Sophia Yeskulsky | Head Editor
January 23, 2025
On January 3, 2025, CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported that the NCAA is considering a rule change that would allow athletes in all sports to compete for five full seasons of eligibility. This potential shift, which would expand current four-season eligibility, is still under discussion and there is no set timeline for a decision. If implemented, it would mark a major shift in college athletics by providing athletes with greater opportunities to develop and compete at the collegiate level.
Currently, student-athletes are allowed to play four seasons within a five-year period. The only way they can roster with a team for five years is with extensions granted only under specific circumstances such as medical redshirts or the extra eligibility year provided to athletes impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed change would expand eligibility to five full seasons for all athletes, potentially eliminating the need for strategic redshirting or difficult decisions regarding playing time.
Big-name coaches like Jimbo Fisher and Lincoln Riley have publicly supported similar ideas in the past. Both coaches argued for a way where there is more time for athletes to develop and address team needs late in seasons when injuries and fatigue often take a toll, a fifth year would do just that. USC head coach Riley suggested that this approach would allow athletes to fully utilize their collegiate careers without the pressure of losing eligibility due to unforeseen circumstances.
The rule change is currently under consideration because the proposal came amid ongoing legal battles and broader changes to the NCAA landscape. Most notably, the impact of NIL (name, image, and likeness) agreements. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s recent lawsuit against the NCAA highlights how current eligibility rules can restrict athletes’ opportunities. Pavia argued that his time at a junior college unfairly counted against his eligibility at NCAA schools, limiting his ability to capitalize on NIL opportunities.
While a Tennessee judge granted Pavia a temporary injunction to pursue another year of eligibility, the broader legal questions surrounding the case remain unresolved. Meanwhile, the NCAA’s Division I Board of Directors recently approved a one-time waiver granting an additional year of eligibility to former junior college athletes for the 2025-26 season. This sends the message that they are willing to reconsider rigid eligibility rules.
Supporters argue that granting athletes an additional year aligns with the NCAA’s commitment to supporting student-athletes’ development and well-being. It could allow players to extend their collegiate careers, pursue NIL deals, and improve their professional prospects. However, critics have pointed out potential issues. These include the strain on the already stretched college athletic budgets and the risk of creating a competitive imbalance between schools with different resources. Junior Jayden Smythers, who plays on the varsity girls soccer team, shared how she suspected “the NCAA is trying to add a 5th year so they can keep all the big name players who bring in all the viewers.”
Furthermore, for athletes, the rule could provide more opportunities to grow and compete, especially for those who face setbacks early in their careers. Senior Hailey Cobb explained how it could allow athletes “to further their studies and enjoy the sport they love for another year.” However, smaller programs may struggle to support larger rosters or remain competitive with better-funded schools. Additionally, extending eligibility could impact students at the universities. The rule change could force schools to redirect resources to accommodate their expanded athletic programs.
The NCAA’s ongoing discussions reflect its attempts to adapt to the rapidly evolving world of college sports. Whether the proposed change will become a reality remains to be seen, but it has the potential to reshape the college athletic experience forever.
Leave a Reply