College athletes sue NCAA over exclusion from new five-year eligibility rule

Eleven Division I athletes filed a federal class‑action lawsuit in Colorado, arguing that the NCAA’s new age‑based eligibility rule, which allows up to five seasons for athletes enrolling no later than the year after their 19th birthday, unfairly excludes those who exhausted eligibility in 2025‑26. The plaintiffs contend they should be granted a fifth season under the updated framework, as the NCAA did not apply the rule retroactively and denied them opportunities to continue competing, earn NIL income, and finish their degrees. The lawsuit seeks immediate relief to allow the athletes to compete in the 2026‑27 season while the case proceeds. The NCAA has yet to respond publicly. \"With these changes, the Cabinet has taken decisive action for the benefit of student‑athletes and the system of NCAA Division I athletics,\" said Josh Whitman, chair of the Cabinet. \"For many student‑athletes who enroll in college immediately after high school, these changes will result in the opportunity to potentially compete for an additional season in their chosen sport.\" The plaintiffs’ attorney stated, \"These athletes aren\'t asking for special treatment. They\'re asking to not be singled out and excluded from the NCAA\'s eligibility framework.\"

(Source：Yardbarker)