NCAA Panel to Review Athlete Eligibility Changes

An NCAA panel is set to review proposed changes to college athlete eligibility rules next week, including an age-based limit that would cap participation at five years starting from age 19 or high school graduation, whichever comes first. The Division I Cabinet will discuss the measure but is not expected to vote on it, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because the NCAA has not publicly addressed it.

The proposal aligns with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last week, which called for clear eligibility standards and a five-year participation window. It would limit exceptions to narrow cases, such as maternity leave, military service or religious missions, and exclude common waivers for injuries. Currently, athletes have five years to complete four seasons of competition, with options for redshirts or waivers that have led to thousands of requests annually.

The changes aim to address a surge in legal challenges over eligibility extensions. Last year, the NCAA processed 1,450 waiver requests, granting two-thirds, but denials prompted more than 70 lawsuits. Legal costs reached $16 million in that period alone,...