NCAA Division I Board Reaffirms Commitment to Age-Based Eligibility Criteria

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors reaffirmed on Thursday its commitment to the newly implemented age-based eligibility rule, which has spurred several athletes to pursue legal action to extend their collegiate careers.

The Division I Cabinet, which approved the rule last month, issued a statement reiterating its support after a group of basketball players sued in an Ohio state court, arguing that the age-based model unjustly bars them from continued competition. Additional lawsuits have since been filed nationwide, some reportedly encouraged by their coaches.

The board statement declares its unwavering stance, echoing a previous decision in which, following former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s 2024 court victory, it granted an extra year to athletes who had competed at non‑NCAA institutions for at least one season and were nearing the end of their eligibility.

“We are encouraged by the broad support among Division I members for the age‑based eligibility rules,” the board said Thursday. “The rule design, including its implementation strategy, was carefully considered and unanimously endorsed by the Cabinet, including its student‑athlete representatives.”

“The Board has no intention of modifying its application, despite recent lawsuits filed on behalf of student‑athletes who have exhausted their eligibility. We look forward to ensuring the age‑based eligibility rules are applied consistently, guaranteeing that all institutions and participants adhere to the same standards.”

(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The age‑based eligibility rule permits athletes up to five seasons of competition within a five‑year window, which commences at their full‑time enrollment or the academic year after turning 19, whichever comes first.

The change effectively eliminates most waivers and redshirt opportunities for extended eligibility, with the sole exceptions being religious missions, pregnancy, or active‑duty military service; injury‑related extensions will no longer be granted.

Athletes whose eligibility expired by spring 2026 under the traditional model — four years of competition over five years — will not be permitted a fifth season under the new rules, which take effect this fall.

This decision spurred the first lawsuit in Ohio. A judge issued a preliminary injunction allowing the players to enter the transfer portal, and the case is now proceeding to trial. Similar preliminary injunctions have also been granted in other cases nationwide.

Earlier this week, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said the conference ultimately backed the rule despite lingering concerns among some leaders about its timing. He noted that the proposed Protect College Sports Act circulating in the Senate was expected to address the issue, but the conference was not provided with data to justify the change.

“We moved quickly in this environment because … people are seeking solutions,” he told The Associated Press. “That doesn’t mean solutions exist, but the prevailing view is that our current approach isn’t working — there are too many waivers and eligibility controversies, so this must be better. However, we remain uncertain whether it truly is.”

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