NCAA moves closer to allowing athletes to compete for five seasons, eliminating redshirts

The NCAA's Division I Board of Directors has directed the Division I Cabinet to advance a proposal that would allow college athletes to compete for five seasons, effectively eliminating redshirt seasons. The rule change, announced on Monday, would not apply to athletes who competed or are competing in the 2025-26 academic year. Under the proposal, athletes' eligibility timetable would begin with the academic year after they turn 19 or graduate from high school, whichever comes first.