Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Age-Based Eligibility Model Approved for NCAA DI
Players to Have Five-Year Eligibility Window
The NCAA Division I council voted this week to adopt the Age-Based Eligibility Model. NCAA DI student athletes will now have five years of NCAA eligibility. The new age-based eligibility does not apply to NCAA Division II or NCAA Division III. While this new model will have a limited impact on women’s college hockey, it is expected to have significant impact on the men’s hockey development model.
Below is a list of questions that may help you navigate the new rules landscape regarding the Age-Based Eligibility Model. Continue to check back for further details:
Q: I HAVE READ THAT THERE IS A NEW ELIGIBILITY MODEL IN THE NCAA WHERE A STUDENT-ATHLETE WILL NOW HAVE FIVE YEARS OF ELIGIBILITY. IS THIS TRUE?
A: Yes, as of August 2026 there is a new Age-Based Eligibility Model for all NCAA Division I sports. A player will have a five-year window of NCAA Division I eligibility starting:
- When a student-athlete first enters full time college enrollment OR
- The regular fall semester following a player’s 19th birthday.
Eligibility will start whichever occurs first.
Q: WHEN WILL THE AGE-BASED ELIGIBILITY MODEL TAKE EFFECT?
A: The model will take effect on August 1, 2026.
Q: I AM A CURRENT NCAA DI HOCKEY PLAYER. DO I NOW HAVE AN EXTRA YEAR OF ELIGIBILITY?
A: Current NCAA Division I athletes will have the benefit of either the current model or the new age-based model, whichever is more beneficial to the student athlete. Per NCAA policy, any waivers (e.g., extensions, hardship waivers, delayed enrollment) for current student-athletes based on the current legislation must be submitted no later than July 31, 2026, and will not be available for competition or extenuating circumstances occurring beyond the 2025-26 academic year.
Q: I AM A PLAYER THAT HAS EXHAUSTED MY NCAA ELIGIBILITY IN THE 2025-26 SEASON. DO I HAVE ANOTHER YEAR OF ELIGIBLITY REMAINING?
A: No. Players who are out of eligibility after the 2025-26 season will not have additional eligibility.
Q: I AM AN INCOMING PLAYER FOR THE FALL OF 2026. HOW WILL THIS ELIGIBILITY MODEL IMPACT ME?
A: Incoming players who are enrolling full time for the first time in the Fall of the 2026-27 academic year will have the benefit of either the current rules OR new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete.
Q: HOW WILL THIS EFFECT MY ABILITY TO PLAY JUNIOR HOCKEY POST-HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION?
A: Provided a player has graduated high school in line with their 18th birthday, a player may be permitted to play junior hockey post high school graduation for one season and still retain all five years of eligibility. Once a player turns 19 years old, the eligibility window will begin the fall semester following the player’s birthday.
Q: IF I CONTINUE TO PLAY JUNIOR HOCKEY THE SEASON FOLLOWING MY 19th BIRTHDAY, HOW WILL THIS EFFECT MY ELIGIBILITY IN THE NEW AGE-BASED MODEL?
A: If a player continues to play junior hockey the season following their 19th birthday, the player’s eligibility window will start. For each season a player continues to play after turning 19 years old, a year of NCAA athletic eligibility will be used. For example:
- One year following 19th birthday plus the next opportunity to enroll full time in a regular academic term (20-year-old player) = 4 years eligibility remaining
- Two years following 19th birthday (21-year-old player) = 3 years eligibility remaining
Q: IS THERE STILL A 21-YEAR-OLD RULE IN MEN’S COLLEGE HOCKEY?
A: No, the Age-Based Eligibility Model has replaced the 21-year-old rule in men’s college hockey.
Q: DOES THE AGED-BASED MODEL CHANGE THE INITIAL ELIGIBILITY ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS?
A: No, all initial academic requirements will remain the same under the Aged-Based Eligibility model. Students need to complete their 16 core courses, along with other academic requirements, in eight high school semesters based on their ninth-grade start date.
Q: IF I DO NOT PLAN TO ENROLL FULL TIME UNTIL THE FALL OF 2027 OR AFTER, WHICH MODEL WILL APPLY TO ME?
A: Prospective student athletes who are entering full time enrollment for the first time in the Fall 2027 or after will have only the Age-Based Eligibility model applied to them.