​The NCAA Division I Council has approved an age-based eligibility plan, commonly known as the “5-for-5,” and its impact on college rosters could already be taking shape. Under the new model, athletes would be allowed to use up to five seasons of eligibility within a five-year window. The eligibility clock would start either immediately after a student-athlete enrolls at a college or at the start of the academic year following their 19th birthday. The aim of this reform is to simplify the process by removing redshirting and the need for annual eligibility waivers.
Under the new framework, players who complete their fourth season during the 2025-26 academic year would not receive an extra year of eligibility. UCF head coach Scott Frost says the rule will compel his staff to reassess their roster planning for the upcoming year. He noted that there are players they might not have anticipated retaining but could now be in a position to keep if they choose to return and if the program wants them back. Frost commented recently that the change shifts immediate roster considerations and reduces the ambiguity that comes with roster-building when players reach their fourth year and face decisions about whether to use a fifth season.
Previously, football players could participate in up to four regular-season games without burning a year of eligibility, with any play beyond those four games resulting in a redshirt. UCF athletic programs expect shifts in how rosters are managed as a result of the new policy. For example, Frost believes the rule will lessen the drama around players deciding not to play late in a season in order to preserve another year of eligibility, thereby stabilizing the roster earlier in the process.
Johnny Dawkins, UCF’s men’s basketball coach, shares concerns about how the rule could affect roster continuity. He emphasized that retaining the right players is crucial for sustaining chemistry and continuity, arguing that bringing back the right pieces could provide a jump start into the next season because those players already understand the system. Dawkins pointed to veteran examples like John Bol and Carmelo Pacheco as players who could benefit from greater age and experience, enabling the program to stay cohesive and continue developing talent.
However, there are worries that the rule might disadvantage incoming high school recruits who could be overlooked in favor of experienced transfers who have gained another year of eligibility. Dawkins, a veteran coach, acknowledged the potential for this trend to affect recruiting, even as he recognizes the broader benefits of roster stability and maturity. As programs adapt to the 5-for-5 framework, they will be weighing the advantages of experienced players against opportunities for younger prospects and the long-term health of their rosters.
The implications extend beyond football, affecting all sports under the college athletic umbrella. As schools adjust to the five-year window and the possible early retention of players, questions about recruitment strategies, player development, and long-range roster planning will shape conversations across conferences. The 5-for-5 model promises to change how coaches evaluate talent, how players decide their collegiate futures, and how athletic departments manage scholarships, playing time, and team chemistry in the evolving landscape of college athletics.