NCAA Considers '5 in 5' Rule, Extending College Basketball Eligibility to Five Years

October 10, 2025
NCAA Considers '5 in 5' Rule, Extending College Basketball Eligibility to Five Years
  • High-major programs and coaches are voicing concerns about the disruption this change could cause, including issues related to roster management, competitive balance, and the potential for more veteran players and fewer opportunities for freshmen.

  • The NCAA is contemplating a significant rule change that would grant college basketball players a fifth year of eligibility within a five-season span, often called the '5 in 5' model, but the timeline for implementing this change remains uncertain.

  • This potential change could have a major impact on college basketball, affecting seniors, roster building, recruiting strategies, and the overall structure of the game, with some coaches suggesting it could be enacted as soon as this month, while others believe it might not happen until next year.

  • The rule change could also influence recruitment decisions, with prospects possibly favoring programs that offer more development opportunities and longer player tenures, and it might benefit older, more experienced players in transfer and draft markets.

  • A key aspect of the proposed rule would eliminate traditional redshirting, allowing players to participate in all five years if they stay healthy and eligible, which raises concerns about player development and team chemistry.

  • Coaches like Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Purdue’s Matt Painter emphasize the importance of maintaining integrity and consistency in college basketball rules, expressing cautious optimism about potential benefits but also reservations about possible drawbacks.

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