Siding with the NCAA will put you on the wrong side of history 9.9 times out of 10 - this is not one of the .1 times. They made their bed with the ridiculous COVID crap and continue to shift the goal posts to enrich themselves/power conference schools. They've created the Wild West we're experiencing. Who are they to not retroactively apply the 5-in-5 rule for one class (2021 got screwed, too), which would allow a whole class of athletes to earn another year of NIL/athletics experience? These smokey back room bastards will tilt the playing field however they need to for their pockets to be lined more, but will look you dead in the eyes and say they're for an equal playing field with a structured set of rules. I'm tired of their egotistical, self-enriching, arbitrary BS. Screw them.
Edit: Here is the NCAA's press release on the age-based model from June 23, 2026.
Student-athletes who used their final season of competition (under previous rules) during 2025-26.
- Which eligibility rules apply: No additional eligibility.
Current student-athletes with eligibility remaining (under previous rules) after the 2025-26 academic year.
- Which eligibility rules apply: Either the previous rules OR the new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete.
Prospects who initially enroll full time at any college or university during 2026-27.
- Which eligibility rules apply: Either the previous rules OR the new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete.
Prospects who initially enroll full time at any college or university in fall 2027 or later.
- Which eligibility rules apply: The age-based model only.
Note that apparently the NCAA doesn't care what may benefit the student-athlete more for 2025-26. Screw the NCAA.