GigMe03 said:
does anyone know how the new eligibility rule works? can any of our seniors use a 5th year and come back? (Wark, KP, Edwards)
Doesn't look like it
For students enrolling full time in college for the first time in fall 2026 and current student-athletes with eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 academic year, Division I schools will apply the previous rules (allowing four seasons of competition within five years) or the age-based model, whichever results in the most favorable outcome for each individual.
https://www.ncaa.org/news/2026/6/23/media-center-division-i-adopts-age-based-eligibility-model.aspx
Student-athletesWhich eligibility rules apply
Student-athletes who used their final season of competition (under previous rules) during 2025-26.
No additional eligibility.
Current student-athletes with eligibility remaining (under previous rules) after the 2025-26 academic year.
Either the previous rules OR the new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete.
Prospects who initially enroll full time at any college or university during 2026-27.
Either the previous rules OR the new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete.
Prospects who initially enroll full time at any college or university in fall 2027 or later.
The age-based model only.