End Of The ‘Super Senior?’ NCAA Weighs Eligibility Age Limit Of 24

BusinessSportsMoneyEnd Of The ‘Super Senior?’ NCAA Weighs Eligibility Age Limit Of 24ByTom Layberger,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about college football and sports in the Tampa Bay region.Follow AuthorApr 20, 2026, 06:38pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - Tyler Shough of the Louisville Cardinals throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Cardinal Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAmong eligibility issues the NCAA has been discussing is a five-year window with which to complete athletic participation. That is part of President Donald Trump’s recently issued executive order that addressed a variety of topics, including for the five-year clock to begin ticking when an athlete turns 19 or graduates from high school, whichever is earliest. There would also be a limit on transfer opportunities.“Clear, consistent and fair eligibility limits, including a five-year participation window,” the president stated.It is a step in the right direction as far as reigning in the chaos that has become the free-for-all of collegiate athletics. Six- and seven-year players wearing the colors of four or five schools – or more – would come to an end. Nothing has been voted on let alone become the law of the land, though there appears be some urgency to get something on the books. Many players had collegiate careers extended by multiple medical waivers and/or the free year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the pandemic. NIL has also played a major role in creating “super seniors.” Why not take advantage? Athletes could still take advantage, albeit in a tighter timeframe with fewer transfer opportunities. Multiple transfers would still be permitted, though not more than two and the second transfer would have an educational component attached to...