A New Front in the College Sports Revolution: Is a Fifth Year of Eligibility Next?

In the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, a new legal challenge is threatening to dismantle a foundational rule. Ten student-athletes, led by Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson, have filed a class-action lawsuit against the NCAA, arguing that athletes should be allowed to compete for five seasons rather than the current four.

This legal action directly challenges the long-standing NCAA rule that grants athletes a five-year window to play four seasons, with exceptions for medical redshirts or a free “COVID year.” The lawsuit argues that if athletes are permitted to be on a team for five years, they should be able to play in games for all five years.

The lawsuit comes at a time when college sports are already in a state of flux. With the rise of the transfer portal, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, and athlete pay, the traditional model of college athletics is being redefined. This new legal battle adds another layer of complexity to the debate. The outcome could have significant implications for recruiting, roster management, and the overall player experience, potentially making the traditional redshirt obsolete and creating a new dynamic where experienced athletes stay in college longer to capitalize on NIL opportunities.