NCAA Division II Panel Pushes Shift to Age-Based Eligibility Starting in 2026-27
The proposal would give athletes a five-year eligibility window and begin it at enrollment or age 19, whichever comes first.
- On Tuesday, the NCAA Division II Management Council announced proposed emergency legislation to adopt an age-based eligibility model, aligning The Division with the NCAA Division I Council's recent approval.
- The proposal creates a five-year period of eligibility, replacing the current system that limits athletes to four seasons within 10 semesters or 15 quarters of full-time enrollment.
- Ben Cherry, chair of the Management Council and representative at Cal State San Marcos, said the age-based model simplifies rules structure while providing clarity and consistency to support academic success.
- A series of lawsuits have challenged eligibility rules since the Division I Council approved age-based eligibility June 23, with an Ohio judge this month granting a preliminary injunction for college basketball players.
- The NCAA has maintained it would not make exceptions for athletes, as the organization continues evaluating eligibility legislation to ensure rules are equitable and centered on student-athlete well-being.
13 Articles
13 Articles
DII student-athletes will follow same eligibility rules as Division I - ButlerRadio.com - Butler, PA
NCAA Division II student/athletes, like those who attend and compete at Slippery Rock University and other Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference schools, will be moving immediately to the age-based eligibility model adopted in Division I under proposed emergency legislation announced this week. The plan will create a five-year period of eligibility, effective for the coming 2026-27 academic year. Under the proposal, an athlete’s eligibility wou…
Associated Press News
NCAA Division II panel pushes shift to age-based eligibility starting in 2026-27
NCAA Division II athletes would move immediately to the age-based eligibility model adopted in Division I under proposed emergency legislation.
DII Management Council recommends emergency legislation to adopt age-based eligibility model for 2026-27
The Division II Management Council this week recommended that the Division II Executive Board adopt emergency legislation establishing an age-based eligibility model that would create a five-year period of eligibility, effective immediately for the 2026-27 academic year. Under this proposal, a student-athlete’s period of eligibility would begin upon initial full-time collegiate enrollment or the regular academic year immediately following the st…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
