NCAA Division II Adopts Age-Based Eligibility Model, Mirroring Division I

The NCAA Division II Executive Board has approved an age-based eligibility model, effective immediately for the 2026-27 academic year. This new rule mirrors the Division I legislation and establishes a five-year period of eligibility, beginning either upon full-time enrollment or the regular academic year immediately following an athlete's 19th birthday, whichever comes first. The change has been contentious and follows athlete lawsuits in Division I.