NCAA Tweaks Age-Based Eligibility Rule Change Proposal Ahead of Formal Vote

The NCAA could be making changes to its age-based eligibility rule, per Meghan Durham Wright of the NCAA's public relations team.

The Division I Cabinet continued discussions on Friday pertaining to the possible changes.

"The Cabinet modified the age-based model to start a student-athlete's eligibility clock upon initial full-time enrollment in college or at the beginning of the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs earlier," Durham Wright wrote. "This adjustment would be applicable for all sports if the model is adopted."

Notes regarding the Cabinet's May meeting were also broken down, per Durham Wright.

"During its May meeting, the Cabinet outlined the anticipated implementation process for student-athletes with eligibility remaining who have already enrolled in college, as well as prospects who turned 19 prior to 2026 and who have not yet enrolled in college. Those implementation models will continue to apply to student-athletes and prospects with eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 academic year and will be updated to reflect the adjustment made today by the Cabinet."

Changes could be forthcoming, as the Cabinet is expected to discuss the matter as its meeting on Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24.

As ESPN's Pete Thamel, the newly proposed model is an adjustment from the old one, which began the eligibility clock at high school graduation.

The move seems to be based off what those in the college hockey world preferred.

In essence, it's common for players to graduate high school and then take a gap year playing junior hockey before entering college. So hockey players entering college could have less eligibility because of the rules, but a change appears forthcoming.

Frank Seravalli of Hockey Insider provided more insight, and Hockey East commissioner Steven Metcalf gave his thoughts.

The NHL appears to be against the move.

However, it looks like it'll go through when the Division I Cabinet meets later in June.