In a potential shift that could reshape college athletics, the NCAA is set to discuss a proposal that would grant athletes five years of eligibility, with the clock starting based on age or high school graduation, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The discussion, slated for next week before the Division I Council, comes amid ongoing debates over athlete rights and eligibility rules. Two individuals with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the panel would review the changes but stop short of voting on implementation. The NCAA has not publicly addressed the proposal, and a spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the AP.
Under the proposed framework, athletes would have five years to complete their eligibility, beginning at the earlier of two milestones: turning 19 years old or graduating from high school. This approach incorporates age into the eligibility process for the first time, aiming to simplify what has long been a complex system tied primarily to years of participation.
Limited exceptions to the rule would be allowed, but notably, they would not include injuries—a common basis for athletes seeking extra time in the past. Dozens of college athletes have filed lawsuits against the NCAA in recent years, arguing that injuries and other unforeseen circumstances warrant additional eligibility. The organization has been pushing Congress for a limited antitrust exemption to curb such litigation.
The timing of the proposal aligns closely with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last week, which includes similar language on athlete eligibility. Sources indicated that the NCAA's plan mirrors aspects of that order, potentially signaling a collaborative effort between the association and the White House to streamline rules in college sports.
During a speech at the Final Four over the weekend, NCAA President Charlie Baker addressed the broader conversation around eligibility reforms. "Trump wanted to figure out a way to 'get something on the books that works and represents what most people are looking for at this point, which is a much simpler eligibility process, which we've been talking to our committees about,'" Baker said, according to reports from the event.
Baker's comments highlight the NCAA's internal deliberations, which have been ongoing as the organization navigates legal challenges and evolving expectations for student-athletes. The Final Four, held in a major arena in a Midwestern city, drew thousands of fans and provided a high-profile platform for Baker to discuss these issues amid the excitement of the basketball tournament.
Multiple news outlets, including ESPN, have reported on the proposal, corroborating the details shared with the AP. While the sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, their accounts paint a picture of an NCAA leadership eager to modernize rules without opening the floodgates to endless extensions.
Historically, NCAA eligibility has been governed by a four-year clock that starts upon enrollment in college, with medical redshirts and other waivers providing occasional relief. Critics, including athlete advocates, have argued that this system fails to account for the physical toll of sports or academic delays, leading to a surge in lawsuits over the past decade.
For instance, high-profile cases involving football and basketball players sidelined by injuries have spotlighted the rigidity of current rules. The NCAA's pursuit of an antitrust exemption from Congress underscores the financial stakes, as successful lawsuits could cost the organization millions in settlements and force broader policy overhauls.
It's unclear at this stage whether the five-year proposal would provide legal protection against such suits. Sources emphasized that while the rule aims for simplicity, its impact on ongoing litigation remains a key unknown. The Division I Council, composed of university presidents, athletic directors, and conference commissioners, will have the opportunity to weigh in during next week's meeting, potentially shaping the future trajectory of the discussion.
The proposal's ties to the Trump administration add a layer of political context to what is typically an insular sports governance issue. Trump's executive order, issued amid his broader agenda on education and athletics, reportedly encourages federal support for clearer eligibility standards to benefit student-athletes nationwide.
Stakeholders in college sports have mixed reactions to potential changes. Some coaches and administrators welcome a more predictable timeline, arguing it could help with recruiting and roster planning. Others, including player unions and legal experts, caution that without robust protections, the rules might still disadvantage athletes facing hardships.
As the NCAA moves forward, the eyes of the sports world will be on the Division I Council's deliberations. If adopted, the five-year model could mark a significant evolution in how the association balances competition, education, and athlete welfare—a delicate equilibrium that has defined college sports for generations.
Looking ahead, the proposal's fate could influence not only eligibility but also the broader landscape of name, image, and likeness rights, transfer portals, and revenue-sharing debates. With the academic year winding down and summer recruiting seasons approaching, next week's discussion represents a pivotal moment for the future of NCAA athletics.