NCAA Division II proposes age-based eligibility model for 2026-27 academic year

NCAA Division II is moving to adopt an age-based eligibility model, mirroring a change recently approved in Division I. The proposed emergency legislation, recommended by the Division II Management Council, would establish a five-year period of eligibility, effective for the 2026-27 academic year. Under this model, an athlete's eligibility would commence upon initial full-time enrollment or the regular academic year immediately following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first.