The NCAA is bringing the immense tide of change we saw in the athletics world in 2024 into the new year. The association is reportedly considering a game-changing rule: granting student-athletes five years of eligibility across all sports. Traditionally, athletes have had four years of eligibility to compete within a five-year “clock” that allows for one redshirt year.
The consideration comes after the unprecedented eligibility extensions granted during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2020-21 season, athletes were given an extra year of eligibility as a salve for competing under challenging conditions like empty arenas, campus bubbles and rigorous health protocols—many of those students who decided to take their “COVID year” are completing their last season this school year. This temporary measure allowed players to remain in the system longer, creating older, more experienced rosters. While it provided stability amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, it also introduced complexities in roster management, recruitment and scholarship allocation that athletic directors had to navigate.
According to Jon Rothstein of College Hoops Today, this potential shift is set for discussion in early 2025. While specifics remain vague, the proposal could align eligibility rules more uniformly and address the growing complexities stemming from the COVID-19 waiver that extended eligibility for many athletes.
This rule change could have lasting implications on athletic directors, affecting areas such as team composition, budgeting, recruitment strategies and overall program management. Here’s a closer look at the potential challenges and opportunities:
Key Impacts on Athletic Directors
1. Roster Management and Team Composition
With an additional year of eligibility, rosters may become overcrowded, especially in sports with large squad sizes like football and track. ADs will need to work closely with coaches to balance the development of younger talent with retaining experienced players. The extension might also hinder the progression of incoming freshmen, who could face limited opportunities for playing time.
2. Recruitment Strategies
The rule could create a ripple effect in recruitment cycles. Prospective student-athletes may hesitate to commit to programs where starting positions are occupied by seasoned fifth-year players. ADs must reassess recruitment pipelines and strengthen relationships with high school and junior college coaches to maintain a competitive edge.
3. Budgetary Considerations
Retaining student-athletes for an extra year may strain scholarship budgets and operational costs, including travel, meals and medical support. ADs must revisit financial plans and consider creative funding solutions, such as leveraging NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) opportunities to offset some expenses.
4. Enhanced Athlete Development
On the positive side, the additional year could allow for better skill development and academic progress. ADs could position this change as an opportunity for athletes to pursue advanced degrees while refining their athletic abilities, which may boost both academic and athletic program rankings.
5. Mental Health and Well-being Support
Extended eligibility may prolong the mental and physical strain on athletes. ADs must prioritize mental health resources and ensure that sports medicine departments are equipped to manage the increased demands on athletes’ bodies.
Strategies for Navigating the Change
- Collaborative Planning: Establish a task force with coaches, compliance officers and financial planners to develop a comprehensive strategy for managing the transition.
- Proactive Communication: Maintain transparency with athletes, parents and stakeholders about how the change will impact team dynamics and scholarship availability.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Use analytics to evaluate the long-term benefits and drawbacks of retaining fifth-year athletes versus focusing on incoming talent.
- Enhanced Support Systems: Expand academic, career, and mental health resources to accommodate the extended collegiate experience.
The NCAA’s consideration of a five-year eligibility rule could define a new era of collegiate athletics, presenting both challenges and opportunities for athletic directors. By strategizing these changes before they occur, ADs can not only mitigate potential risks but also harness the benefits to elevate their programs. Staying informed and agile will be critical to navigating this transformative shift as discussions unfold.
