, ,

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.

/by
,

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.

/by
,

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.

/by
, ,

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.

/by
,

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

/by
,

Montana Student-Athlete Granted a 9th Year of NCAA Eligibility

Last week, the NCAA approved a waiver granting a University of Montana football student-athlete a 9th year of eligibility after multiple documented injuries disrupted several seasons of participation throughout his career.

Situations like this are rare—but they underscore how the NCAA’s hardship waiver process can provide relief when extraordinary medical circumstances prevent a student-athlete from using their seasons of competition.

How Did He Reach a 9th Year?

Below is a timeline of his career based on publicly available information from the university:

  • 2018 – Underwent surgery prior to the start of the season
  • 2019 – Additional surgery related to the same injury
  • 2020 – Knee surgery following a summer injury (also the COVID eligibility relief year)
  • 2021 – Redshirt season
  • 2022 – Competed the full season
  • 2023 – Suffered another injury during training camp
  • 2024 – Played in the majority of the season
  • 2025 – Competed the full season
  • 2026 – Approved for a 9th year to complete a 4th season of competition

Why This Matters for Other Student-Athletes

This case illustrates how the NCAA may consider:

  • Repeated, documented medical hardships
  • Season-ending injuries occurring early in a season
  • The impact of the COVID relief year
  • Detailed medical documentation and institutional support
  • A clear history showing the athlete did not receive the intended competitive opportunities

Each waiver request is evaluated individually, and outcomes depend heavily on medical records, timelines, and how the case is presented.

Do You Have Questions About a Possible Additional Year of Eligiblity?

For the past 18 years, we have assisted hundreds of college student-athletes successfully navigate through the waivers and appeal process to continue playing the sport they  love.

If your student-athlete has experienced injuries, missed seasons, or other circumstances that may qualify for an extra year, we can answer your questions, discuss their specific situation, and provide options to consider.

To get started, schedule a confidential waivers and appeals consult online, call our office at 913-766-1235 or send an email to rick@informedathlete.com.

 

/by
, , ,

Three NCAA Convention Proposals That Could Impact Your Athlete

NCAA Division II Seasons of Competition

Division II member institutions will vote on a proposal that would allow five seasons of competition within an athlete’s first 10 semesters of full-time enrollment.

Important implication:
If approved, this change will significantly reduce the availability of hardship waivers.

For example, an athlete who is injured and unable to compete during a season would likely not receive a hardship waiver, but instead would rely on having four other seasons available.

If you have questions about hardship waivers or appeals and how this could impact your student-athlete, schedule a confidential Waivers and Appeals Consultation online. 

 

NCAA Division III Potential Mandatory Use of the Transfer Portal

Division III institutions will vote on whether to require all DIII schools to use the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Currently, the Transfer Portal use is optional in Division III, which has caused confusion for student-athletes and coaches.

If approved, this requirement would take effect in August 2026.

Until then:

  • DIII student-athletes must continue to follow their institution’s current transfer process, and
  • Student-athletes may still use a self-release to contact coaches at other DIII programs.

If you have questions and would like guidance on navigating a Division III transfer, schedule a confidential Transfer Consultation online. 

 

NCAA Division III Redshirt Proposal

Another proposal being considered at the NCAA Convention would allow Division III student-athletes to be charged a season of eligibility only if they compete during that season.

If approved, a DIII athlete could:

  • Redshirt during one season, and
  • Still retain four additional seasons of competition.

This would replace the current rule that requires an athlete to leave the team before the season begins in order to preserve redshirt and eligibility.

For questions about eligibility or how proposed rule changes may impact your athlete, schedule a confidential Eligibility Consultation online, email rick@informedathlete.com, or call 913-766-1235.

 

 

 

 

/by
, ,

NCAA DI Football Transfer Portal Dates

The NCAA Division I Football Transfer Portal (FBS and FCS) will be open for two weeks: January 2–16, 2026.


Division II and Division III student-athletes do not have specific windows during which they must enter the Transfer Portal.


If you have questions about:

  • Exceptions to the Division I Transfer Portal windows (such as a coaching change or postgraduate transfer),
  • How to properly enter the Transfer Portal, or
  • Academic requirements needed to be immediately eligible at your next institution

We can answer your questions and help guide your student-athlete through the process.  Schedule a confidential Transfer Consultation online, or call our office at 913-766-1235.

/by
,

Don’t Let Your High School Athlete Fall Through the Cracks

Each year, we are contacted by the parents of freshman athletes who arrive on their campus only to be told that they don’t have enough of the NCAA-required 16 core courses on their HS transcript to compete as a freshman.

Unfortunately, this situation is more common than you think.  Problems meeting the eligibility standards can set back and even derail a student-athlete’s entire athletic career.

We can prevent that from happening.

Understanding the academic requirements and confirming that your athlete has satisfied the NCAA-required core courses ahead of time can save a lot of heartache and money.

With a confidential Eligibility Issues Consult, we will answer your questions and explain in detail the academic requirements that a HS athlete must satisfy to be NCAA-eligible.

We can also provide a confidential detailed Freshman Transcript Review in which we will discuss your athlete’s personal situation, answer any questions you have and:

– Compare the courses completed with the courses approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

– Determine whether your projected core course GPA will satisfy NCAA “Qualifier” requirements.

– Provide a written assessment of the subjects that need to be completed to satisfy initial eligibility requirements.

– Suggest steps and discuss a plan of action that may be available to satisfy eligibility requirements.

Schedule your confidential Freshman Transcript Review online or call us at 913-766-1235 or send an email to rick@informedathlete.com if you have questions about this process.

If your athlete has already started college and needs a Waiver to become eligible for next Spring, you can learn more and sign up for a confidential Waivers and Appeals consultation.

/by
,

Junior College Misinformation Regarding NCAA Eligibility

We’ve had several calls from current and past clients about incorrect information being shared regarding junior college and NCAA playing eligibility rules.

We’ve also heard reports of travel ball organizations as well as athletic recruiting websites that are spreading the word that an athlete can compete for two years at the junior college level and then still have four years to play for an NCAA team. 

At this time, this is NOT true.

The NCAA’s “blanket waiver” that was issued last December following the judge’s ruling in the Diego Pavia lawsuit ONLY applied to eligibility at the Division I level for this current 2025-26 academic year AND only for athletes who otherwise would have used their final season of eligibility during the 2024-25 year.

If you have questions about seasons of eligibility for your athlete, you can schedule a confidential Eligibility Consultation online, or you can contact us directly at 913-766-1235 or send an email to rick@informedathlete.com.

/by