The NCAA is thinking about making a big change that could give college athletes in all sports five years of eligibility to play. Right now, athletes only get four years to compete in college sports. This potential rule adjustment, which may be discussed in early 2025, would aim to standardize eligibility rules across the board. However, no exact timeline for a final decision has been announced.

Currently, the only way an athlete can get extra eligibility is by applying for a special waiver, usually due to injuries or other specific situations. It’s also unclear if the new rule would still include the option for athletes to take a redshirt year, which allows them to sit out a season without losing eligibility.

This idea likely comes from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many athletes were granted extra eligibility for the disrupted 2020-21 season. As a result, it’s become common to see players competing for five, six, or even seven years in college sports. Details about this potential rule are still unclear, but it could lead to significant changes across college athletics.

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In other sports updates:

– **Washington Football Hires Ryan Walters**: Ryan Walters, who coached Purdue for two seasons, has been named the new defensive coordinator at Washington.

– **Jaden Ivey Injury Update**: Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey broke his fibula. The former Purdue standout was enjoying a breakout season, averaging 17.6 points per game.

– **Purdue WBB Commit Breaks Records**: Kira Reynolds, a Purdue women’s basketball recruit and South Bend Washington star, made Indiana high school basketball history during her senior season.