NCAA approves new 5-for-5 eligibility cap rule for college athletes

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 9:36 PM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

Summary

The NCAA Division I Cabinet has approved a new eligibility cap rule termed the '5-for-5' that will take effect for the 2027-28 academic year. This rule allows student-athletes five years of eligibility over a five-year period, eliminating the current redshirt year and most waivers under certain circumstances. The eligibility clock will start upon full-time enrollment or at age 19. University of Hawaii head coach Timmy Chang welcomed the clarity this brings to athlete eligibility, noting it also provides a defined age range for participants. Coaches at UH seek additional guidance on possible exceptions for players facing injuries or family emergencies.

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By the Numbers
  • New 5-for-5 rule approved to begin in 2027-28
  • Eliminates redshirt year and most waivers
  • Eligibility begins at enrollment or age 19
  • UH coach Timmy Chang welcomes the changes
  • Future impact on college sports recruiting expected
Latest Updates
  • 9:36 PMYahoo SportsNCAA’s new eligibility cap rule would have changed the game for UH sports
What they're saying
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The University of Hawaii football team was entering the final month of the 2025 regular season, and head coach Timmy Chang was studying performance charts. The NCAA permitted a player to qualify for a redshirt year if he did not participate in more than four regular-season games. Chang and his staff had to decide whether to hold out redshirt-minded players so they would be available to play in ...

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