Division II Adopts Age-Based Eligibility Beginning with 2026-27 Season

The NCAA Division II Executive Board has adopted emergency legislation to move DII to an age-based eligibility model beginning with the upcoming 2026-27 season.  It comes after the division’s Management Council recommended the move in July.  The board had previously voted to punt on the move and not take action until 2028 at their annual meeting in January, but moved quickly after Division I changed their rules in June.  Like DI, DII will not provide any additional eligibility for players who completed their careers following the 2025-26 season.  The rules now allow athletes to play for five years in five years beginning at their enrollment in college or at the next season after turning age 19.  In the release, the NCAA says players who are currently enrolled who have eligibility remaining under the previous rules, compliance staff will work with student-athletes to determine which model will provide the most favorable outcome for the athlete.  Redshirts for injuries or other reasons will no longer be provided.  The only exceptions that may provide additional years of eligibility are pregnancy, military service, and religious missions.