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New NCAA D2 Age-Based Eligibility Rule

On August 5, the NCAA Division II Executive Board adopted emergency legislation to approve a new age-based eligibility rule that basically duplicates the rule approved by Division I in June.

Key Points to Know About the NEW D2 Rule

D2 athletes will be able to compete during all five years of their eligibility clock. The five-year clock begins with the earlier of initial full-time college enrollment or the academic year immediately following the student-athlete’s 19th birthday.

The new rule eliminates the ability for D2 athletes to “manage” their 10 semesters or 15 quarters of full-time enrollment. Athletes not enrolled full-time in Spring 2026 must use their remaining terms of full-time enrollment consecutively once they re-enroll.

Waivers for medical redshirt seasons or to otherwise extend an athlete’s five-year period will be nearly eliminated.  If an athlete becomes injured and is not able to compete during a season, they will not be able to regain that year.

Under the new rule, waivers will be limited to pregnancy, active-duty military service, or an official religious mission, provided the athlete does not participate in organized competition during that time.

Current student-athletes who believe they have valid reasons to request a waiver for an additional season of D2 eligibility or an extension of their five-year eligibility period must have their waivers submitted by the following dates:

  • August 31, 2026 for student-athletes in Fall sports, as well as golf or tennis.
  • September 30, 2026 for winter and spring sport student-athletes.

How Student-Athletes Will Be Impacted:

Current college athletes who have already used four seasons of competition will not benefit from this new rule.

Current athletes with at least one season of competition remaining under the current “four seasons” rule will be eligible for a fifth season, provided they have time remaining on their eligibility clock.

Prospects enrolling full-time in college for the 2026–27 academic year may use either the new rule or the current eligibility rules, whichever is more beneficial. 

Prospects enrolling full-time in any college or university Fall 2027 or later must follow the new age-based rule. 

 Do You Have Questions?

If you have questions and are concerned how this new rule will impact your athlete, schedule a confidential eligibility consultation online, send an email to rick@informedathlete.com or call our office at 913-766-1235.

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NCAA DI Cabinet Meeting Actions

Academic eligibility requirements for an athlete transferring to a Division I university from a two-year college were revised, effective immediately.  There were too many changes to list all of them here, but the main changes are:

  • Reduction of the required transferable grade-point-average from 2.500 to 2.000.
  • Elimination of certain credit hour requirements for athletes who were Non-qualifiers based on their high school academic record.
  • 4-2-4 transfers who were Qualifiers based on their high school academic record will not be required to graduate from the two-year college before transferring to a Division I athletic program.  For a detailed review and discussion of how these new rules will impact your athlete’s transfer to Division I from a two-year college, schedule a Transfer consultation online, call 913-766-1235 or write to rick@informedathlete.com.
  • Also, the requirement for a high school athlete to complete at least one natural or physical science course that included a lab component was eliminated.  At least two years of natural or physical science courses will still be required to be a Qualifier, but the need for at least one of those to be a laboratory course is no longer required.
  • A proposal from the Men’s Soccer Oversight Committee to change the playing season to both semesters of the academic year was remanded back to the Committee for further review.
  • The Division I Cabinet had concerns about midyear enrollees or transfers possibly joining a team in the middle of a two-semester playing season, as well as how scheduling discretion that had been recommended for schools and conferences would impact championship selection criteria and timing.

If you have any questions about these changes and how they could affect your student-athlete, contact us at 913-766-1235 or send an email to rick@informedathlete.com.

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New NCAA DI Age-Based Eligibility Rules

The NCAA Division I Cabinet recently approved a new age-based eligibility framework that will impact current and future Division I athletes.

Here are key points of the new rule to be aware of:

Rather than athletes being able to compete in four seasons of their sport within a five year period, D1 athletes will have the opportunity to compete in all five seasons of their eligibility “clock.”

  • However, waivers for medical redshirt seasons or to extend an athlete’s five-year period will be nearly eliminated.
  • If an athlete becomes injured and is not able to compete during a season, they will not be able to regain that year.
  • The only waivers allowed under the new rule will be for pregnancy, military service or an official religious mission – as long as the athlete does not participate in organized competition during that period of time.

Current D1 athletes who want to request a waiver for an additional season or an extension of their five-year eligibility period must have their waivers submitted no later than July 31, 2026.

A prospect’s five-year period of eligibility under the new rule will begin when they start attending college as a full-time student, OR the academic year after the athlete turns 19 (whichever comes first).

For prospects who turn 19 on or after September 1, their five-year period will start with the following academic year (unless they choose to start full-time college enrollment earlier).

How Student-Athletes Will Be Impacted:

Current college athletes who have used four seasons of competition will not be able to benefit from this new rule.

Current athletes who have at least one season of competition remaining under the current “four seasons” rule will be able to compete in a 5th season as long as they can do so within their current 5-year period. (Must have time remaining on their clock and seasons of competition available.)

Prospects enrolling full-time in any college or university for the 2026-27 academic year can utilize the new rule or the current eligibility rules, whichever is better for that athlete.

(Example:  an athlete who has played junior hockey and will be enrolling at age 20 or 21 may choose to utilize the current rules since the new age-based rule may have his five-year clock starting when he turned 19.)

Prospects enrolling full-time in any college or university Fall 2027 or later must use the new age-based rule.

Schedule a confidential consultation online for your questions about this new rule and how it will impact your athlete. Or write to rick@informedathlete.com or call 913-7661235.

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NCAA DI Spring Sport Transfer Portal Dates

The remaining available Transfer Portal windows for NCAA Division I athletes on Spring sports teams are listed below;

Baseball:  June 1-30

Men’s Golf:  June 4-18

Women’s Rowing:  May 26 – June 24

Softball:  June 8-22

Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field:  May 28 – June 26

Exceptions:

  • In Division I sports other than basketball, football and ice hockey, there is a 30-day Transfer Window available for any student-athlete immediately following their coach retiring, being fired or leaving to take another job.
  • Other exceptions may be available depending upon the sport and circumstances.

Schedule a confidential consultation online for an explanation of the steps, rules and academic requirements to be eligible as a transferring student-athlete, or by calling us at 913-766-1235 or sending an email to rick@informedathlete.com

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NCAA DI 2026 Spring Sport Transfer Portal Dates

With many Spring sports approaching or at the end of the regular season, here are the remaining opening and closing Transfer Portal dates for NCAA Division I Spring sport athletes:

Baseball:  June 1-30
Women’s Beach Volleyball:  May 3-June 1
Men’s Golf:  June 4-18
Women’s Golf:  May 28-June 11
Lacrosse:  May 10-June 8
Women’s Rowing:  May 26-June 24
Softball:  June 8-22
Tennis:  May 4-June 2
Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field:  May 28-June 26
Men’s Volleyball:  May 3-June 1

Exceptions:

  • Postgraduate transfers in sports other than football may enter the Transfer Portal at any time up until the final date for their specific sport.
  • There are also possible exceptions for Division I student-athletes who have had a change of head coach or who have had their scholarship reduced, cancelled or nonrenewed.

NCAA Division II athletes can enter the Transfer Portal any time until June 15, and Division III athletes can enter the Transfer Portal whenever you’re ready to do so. Keep in mind, however, that you will probably be removed from your current team as soon as you inform them of your plan to transfer.

Schedule a confidential Tranfer Consultation online for an explanation of the steps, rules and academic requirements to be eligible as a transferring student-athlete, or by calling us at 913-766-1235 or sending an email  to rick@informedathlete.com.

 

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NCAA DI Proposed “5 for 5” Eligibility Model – What You Should Know!

The recent NCAA Compliance Seminar marked my 30th year attending this annual event. Over those three decades, I’ve had a front-row seat to the dramatic changes that have reshaped college athletics and NCAA compliance.

NCAA legislation used to change once each year, with legislation being voted on at the NCAA Convention each January, and then usually taking effect the following August 1.

With the new and evolving governance structure, legislation can be changing up to four times a year, depending upon votes at Cabinet meetings in January, April, June and October.  If action is taken by various NCAA committees, the actions don’t become “Final” until the conclusion of each Cabinet meeting.

Obviously, NCAA rules have been changing frequently over the past few years, and will continue to do so.  Rule changes adopted by Division I can filter down to Divisions II and III, and impact those athletes as well.

By far, the most discussed topic this year at this year’s Compliance Seminar was the NCAA’s proposed new Eligibility Model.  

While many sportswriters and bloggers are referring to the NCAA’s proposed new eligibility concept as a “5 for 5” eligibility rule,” NCAA staff made it clear during a recent seminar that they do not want it described that way. Instead, they emphasized that it should be referred to as an “age-based eligibility model.”

NCAA staff explained that they believe calling it a “5-for-5” model could incorrectly lead athletes to assume they are guaranteed the opportunity to compete in all five years of their college career. They stressed that coaches will still control playing time, and many athletes may not have the opportunity to compete during some seasons of the entire five-year eligibility window.

Staff also noted that the proposal is driven heavily by data.

Research compiled from NCAA Eligibility Center records and Division I roster and academic progress reporting requirements showed that 98% of Division I student-athletes earn their bachelor’s degree within five years or less, with 62% graduating within four years.

In addition, NCAA staff indicated that a final vote by the Division I Cabinet should not be expected on May 22. They said they would be very surprised if a vote occurs before the Cabinet’s June 23-24 meeting.

How This Could Affect Waivers If Passed

Another important point emphasized was the future of waiver opportunities if the proposal is adopted, which many expect will happen. NCAA staff suggested that waivers for additional seasons of eligibility would become extremely limited. Potential waiver opportunities could largely be restricted to situations involving pregnancy, military service, or official religious missions.

Waiver Deadline

While it is a foregone conclusion that there will be lawsuits filed regardless of the final decision as to when this new rule will take effect and which class of athletes it will impact most significantly, NCAA Division I staff reminded about the deadline of July 31 for submission of waivers seeking an extra year of eligibility.

If you have questions about this proposed rule or about the waiver deadline, schedule a confidential Eligibility Consultation online, contact Rick Allen at rick@informedathlete.com or call our office at 913-766-1235.

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JUCO to NCAA Transfer Eligibility Rules – What Student-Athletes Need to Know!

When a junior college (JUCO) student-athlete plans to transfer to an NCAA school, any academic eligibility issues can create serious roadblocks in the transfer process.

If those issues are not identified until after the student-athlete has already enrolled and started classes at the NCAA university, they may be ineligible to compete during their first year.

It’s also important to understand that student-athletes who begin their college careers at a junior college often face different academic requirements to be eligible in their first year at an NCAA institution.

For example: 

Was the student-athlete a “qualifier” or “non-qualifier” (as defined by the NCAA) based on their high school academic record?  

This distinction is critical, as it determines the academic requirements the student-athlete must meet while at the junior college in order to be eligible to compete during their first year at an NCAA university.

How many semesters did the junior college student-athlete attend the junior college as a full-time student? 

It can be a good thing to take a part-time course load at a junior college in some situations.

Was the junior college student-athlete required to earn their Associates Degree to be academically eligible upon transfer to an NCAA university?

If a junior college transfer athlete has not satisfied all necessary NCAA academic requirements BEFORE they begin attending their new university, they won’t be eligible to compete during their first academic year of attendance and also may not be qualified to receive an athletic scholarship!

These are the types of issues that can derail a junior college student-athlete’s athletic and academic career and end up costing them personally and financially.

Knowing your eligibility status ahead of time can allow a student-athlete to make the adjustments that are needed to avoid disappointment and possibly financial problems down the road.

If you are a junior college transfer athlete (or parent of one) and you are uncertain about your NCAA academic eligibility status, informed Athlete can help:

If you have questions, contact Rick Allen at rick@informedathlete.com or call our office at 913-766-1235.

 

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NCAA DI Winter Sport Transfer Portal Dates

With many Winter sports approaching the end of the regular season, here are the opening and closing Transfer Portal dates for NCAA Division I Winter sport athletes:

Men’s Basketball:  April 7-21

Women’s Basketball:  April 6-20

Bowling:  April 1-May 15

Equestrian:  April 8-May 22

Fencing:  March 17-April 30

Men’s Gymnastics:  April 14-May 28

Women’s Gymnastics:  March 30-May 13

Men’s Ice Hockey:  April 13-27

Women’s Ice Hockey:  March 23-April 6

Indoor Track and Field:  May 28-June 26

Rifle:  March 2-April 15

Skiing:  March 10-April 23

Men’s Swimming/Diving:  March 18-May 1

Women’s Swimming/Diving:  March 11-April 24

Men’s Wrestling:  April 1-30

Women’s Wrestling:  March 2-April 15

Exceptions:

  • There are exceptions for Division I student-athletes who will be transferring as a postgraduate student and for those who have had their sport discontinued at their school.
  • There is also a 30-day Transfer Window available for Division I student-athletes in Winter sports other than basketball and ice hockey immediately following their coach being fired or leaving to take another job.

Also, if you’re an NCAA Division II or III athlete, you can enter the Transfer Portal whenever you’re ready to do so. Keep in mind, however, that you will probably be removed from your current team as soon as you inform them of your plan to transfer. 

Questions About Your Athlete’s Situation?

For an explanation of the steps, rules and academic requirements to be eligible as a transferring student-athlete and to discuss your athlete’s specific situation and available options, schedule a confidential Transfer consultation online, call our office at 913-766-1235 or send an email to rick@informedathlete.com.

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Don’t Believe These 5 College Eligibility Myths

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been contacted by a number of athletes or families who have been given incorrect information regarding seasons of eligibility or the opportunity for a waiver for another season.

These “myths” may have been found in an online article or may have been given to an athlete directly by a coach or a recruiter and include:

“Our son qualifies for a Pavia Waiver to have another season of eligibility.”

 It is true that the NCAA issued a “blanket waiver” regarding seasons of eligibility in the wake of the lawsuit that had been filed against the NCAA by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, but that waiver is no longer available.

“If you don’t have any statistics in a game, you don’t use a season of eligibility.”

That myth was provided by a JUCO coach to a football athlete whose only participation was to be the holder on field goals and PAT’s.  Think about this – IF that were true, most offensive linemen would never be charged with a season of eligibility!!

 “As long as you graduate from your junior college, you can be eligible to compete when you transfer to a four-year university.” 

Graduation from a JUCO is often required to be eligible at an NCAA program, but there are often other academic requirements as well.  Those requirements can depend on factors such as your high school academic record as well as how many semesters (or quarters) you have attended a JUCO.

“My daughter participated in less than 20 percent of her season so shouldn’t be charged with a season of eligibility.” 

That is true when an athlete is participating in an NAIA athletic program, but does not apply in the NCAA, except in specific situations.

“My coach told me that playing on the JV team does not count as a season of eligibility.”

 In most situations, depending upon the sport and the college division or level, any amount of competition when representing your college or university counts as using a season of eligibility.

Do You Have Questions?

To discuss your athlete’s past participation or their future options for eligibility, schedule a confidential Eligibility Consult online, e-mail rick@informedathlete.com or call our office at 913-766-1235.

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A Proactive Approach to Medical Hardship Waivers Can Preserve Eligibility

We frequently hear from student-athletes and families after a season has already ended asking whether a Medical Hardship Waiver can restore a lost season of eligibility.

While waivers are sometimes possible in those situations, the strongest cases are built during the season in which the injury or illness occurs—not afterward.

Being proactive can make the difference between a well-supported waiver request and one that faces significant uncertainty.

Why Timing Matters

If your athlete is dealing with an injury, illness, or mental health condition that limits participation, the most important factor in a Medical Hardship Waiver request is the timing and quality of the medical documentation.

Conference offices and eligibility committees must be able to clearly see that the condition was season-ending at the time it occurred—not something determined weeks or months later.

When documentation is delayed or incomplete, it becomes far more difficult to demonstrate that the athlete could not safely return to competition.

What a Strong Medical Hardship Case Includes

The best-positioned waiver requests typically contain:

  • Medical records beginning on the actual date of injury or diagnosis
  • Ongoing treatment documentation that shows the severity of the condition
  • A physician’s statement clearly indicating the athlete was not cleared to return to competition
  • A timeline that demonstrates how the injury or illness impacted the season

If a physician’s statement is missing—or comes too late—it may be unclear whether the situation truly met the definition of a season-ending condition, making approval less certain.

Documentation Can Also Protect Future Eligibility

Good documentation is not only important for the current season—it can matter later.

If an athlete experiences a second season impacted by injury or illness, prior medical records may help support an extension of the athlete’s eligibility “clock,” potentially allowing an additional year of competition.

That type of relief is only possible when there is strong, well-organized evidence across multiple seasons.

How Informed Athlete Can Help

If your athlete has suffered an injury or illness that has impacted their ability to compete, we can:

  • Explain the steps, rules, and timelines for a Medical Hardship Waiver
  • Help you identify what documentation is needed—and when to obtain it
  • Review records and provide guidance to strengthen the waiver request
  • Assist with personal statements and overall waiver strategy
  • Evaluate whether an additional eligibility extension may be available

To discuss your athlete’s specific situation and their opportunity for a Medical Hardship Waiver and/or an extension of their eligibility clock, schedule a confidential Waivers & Appeals consultation online, call our office at 913-766-1235 or send an email to rick@informedathlete.com

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