The NCAA Division I Cabinet voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a five‑year, age‑based eligibility framework for all Division I athletes. Under the plan, a player’s eligibility clock starts at first full‑time enrollment or the academic year after turning 19, whichever comes first, and runs for five seasons. The change eliminates traditional redshirts and waiver petitions that have faced legal challenges.

Critics argued the previous system created uneven playing fields, prompting lawsuits from athletes claiming unfair restrictions. By fixing eligibility to age rather than years of participation, schools gain flexibility to apply either the legacy rules or the new model for players still holding eligibility after the 2025‑26 season. Freshmen graduating in spring 2026 will automatically fall under the age‑based model.

The NCAA expects the new structure to streamline roster management and reduce litigation risk. Coaches can now plan recruiting cycles without worrying about redshirt contingencies, while athletes receive a clear five‑year window to compete. Implementation begins this academic year, making the 2026 senior class the first to experience the revised timeline. It also aligns Division I with several European leagues that use age caps.