ADVERTISEMENT

OFF TOPIC: BREAKING REPORT: NCAA considering a rule change to allow a Fifth year of Eligibility

Kevin Thomas

All-Steve Smith
Silver Member
Mar 8, 2024
2,558
2,302
113
More changes could be coming to college sports.

Friday morning, CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported that the NCAA is considering a new rule that would grant players five seasons of eligibility instead of four in all sports.

The topic will be discussed by the NCAA early this year, according to Rothstein.

Under the current rules, athletes are allowed to play four seasons during a five-year period. This was extended to six years for athletes who had their careers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Way back in 2014, then-Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said that all athletes should have five years of eligibility.

“For some reason, it’s never grabbed ahold. I don’t know the downside,” Fisher said. “Our coaches kind of like it. There aren’t many who are against it, I’ll tell you that.”

Fisher felt the extra year of eligibility would benefit the development of young players.

“(A freshman) isn’t ready at the beginning of the year, but you have to make that decision (to redshirt) by Game 5 or 6,” he said. “Maybe by games by eight, nine or 10 he’s developed himself to go in there and give you 10, 12, 14 plays a game.

“At the end of that season when those freshmen are ready to play and can help you on special teams or get 10 reps a game, it takes the pressure off a guy who’s banged up and bruised up. The longer you go in these seasons, the more you have to look at those things as a health issue.”

USC head coach Lincoln Riley had similar thoughts this October.

“I think guys should have five years,” Riley said. “Do whatever you want, play as much as you want or as little as you want, and the only way you get an extra one is if you have two season-ending injuries and miss the whole season.”



 
  • Like
Reactions: MSU_Hutch
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Go Big.
Get Premium.

Join Rivals to access this premium section.

  • Say your piece in exclusive fan communities.
  • Unlock Premium news from the largest network of experts.
  • Dominate with stats, athlete data, Rivals250 rankings, and more.
Log in or subscribe today Go Back