NCAA Board excludes current seniors from Five-For-Five eligibility framework

8 articles · Updated · 247Sports · Apr 27

The Board confirmed the new rules will not retroactively apply to student-athletes whose eligibility ends by spring 2026, affecting players like UCLA's Tyler Bilodeau.
The Division I Cabinet has been directed to advance the age-based eligibility concept, with its next meeting scheduled for May, leaving a slim possibility for future reconsideration.
The Five-For-Five proposal, which eliminates redshirts and standardizes eligibility, will not benefit 2025-26 athletes, and requires schools to cover tuition for early leavers for up to 10 years.

Is this rule change for athlete welfare or to prevent athletes from becoming employees?

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Will five-year eligibility create super-teams of older players, widening the gap in college sports?

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