The NCAA’s age-based eligibility model has passed.
On Tuesday, the NCAA’s Division 1 cabinet unanimously voted to approve the model that’s been described as the “5-in-5” rule. The change now gives Div. 1 athletes five full seasons of eligibility in a strict five-year window in their chosen sport, with their eligibility clock beginning upon initial college enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. It will go into effect beginning in the 2027-28 season.
These landmark changes are aiming to improve the overall health of college sports, especially in basketball where waivers and exceptions have allowed some athletes to play seven, eight or even nine seasons. But there are also ripple effects of the rule that will impact prep school basketball and high school recruiting.
Here are five initial takeaways from the new age-based eligibility model.
