NCAA moves toward simpler eligibility rules amid changing college sports landscape

The NCAA is taking another step toward modernizing college athletics, approving a sweeping eligibility proposal that could allow some student-athletes to compete for up to five seasons.

The Division I Council’s Legislative Committee unanimously approved the measure this week, creating a more straightforward framework for athlete eligibility at a time when roster movement through the transfer portal has become commonplace. Under the proposal, athletes who enroll in college no later than the academic year following their 19th birthday would receive up to five years of competitive eligibility.

The change represents a significant shift from the NCAA’s traditional eligibility structure. Officials say the goal is to simplify a complex system that currently includes season-of-competition restrictions, sport-specific rules, redshirt provisions, and a variety of waiver processes used to extend eligibility.

For many athletes who begin their college careers immediately after high school, the new framework could open the door to an additional season of competition. NCAA leaders also believe the streamlined approach will make roster planning more predictable for coaches and athletic departments while reducing administrative burdens.

The proposal arrives during a period of major transformation across college sports. The transfer portal has dramatically increased player mobility, allowing athletes to seek greater playing opportunities, improved competitive situations, and potentially more lucrative name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. As a result, eligibility rules have come under increased scrutiny from athletes, schools, and legal challenges alike.

At the same time, the NCAA continues working with federal lawmakers on legislation that could strengthen its ability to enforce policies governing eligibility, transfers, and other key issues. The organization has faced growing pressure in recent years as courts have repeatedly challenged its authority and athletes have become more willing to contest NCAA decisions.

One recent example involved former Texas Tech player Brendan Sorsby, who successfully sought reinstatement after being ruled ineligible for violating NCAA gambling policies. Although he was eventually allowed to return, the situation became increasingly complicated when several schools reportedly considered boycotting games involving Texas Tech because of his participation.

Sorsby later chose to pursue professional opportunities and declared for the NFL supplemental draft. However, according to reports from The Associated Press, the NFL informed him this week that no supplemental draft will be held in 2026, meaning the earliest opportunity for him to begin an NFL career will be in 2027.

As college athletics continues to evolve, the NCAA’s latest eligibility proposal signals an effort to adapt to a landscape increasingly defined by athlete mobility, NIL opportunities, and legal challenges. Whether the changes ultimately provide greater clarity and stability remains to be seen, but the organization is clearly moving toward a simpler model designed for a new era of college sports.