local
NCAA panel approves new eligibility rules giving Division I athletes 5 years to play 5 seasons
By Eric Olson, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 23, 2026
· 4 min read
Eager to lessen the chaos of the transfer portal era and court fights with players trying to extend their careers, the NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes on Tuesday that will allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enro...
Key takeaway “While previous NCAA rules have served college sports well for a long time, we heard also loud and clear from NCAA members and student-athletes that eligibility rules should be easier to understand,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said.
Why this matters in The Pearland
The new NCAA eligibility rules will have a direct impact on local universities in the Houston area, including those in Pearland , that compete at the Division I level. With the five-in-five model, coaches at these institutions will have a more predictable roster management process, allowing them to better plan for the future. This change may also affect the recruitment strategies of local schools, as they will need to adapt to the new eligibility timeline. Additionally, the elimination of waivers for injured athletes may influence the way local universities support their student-athletes, potentially leading to changes in athletic department policies and procedures. As the rules take effect this fall, it will be worth watching how local Division I schools in the Pearland area implement and respond to these changes, and how they impact the student-athletes and teams competing in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Eager to lessen the chaos of the transfer portal era and court fights with players trying to extend their careers, the NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes on Tuesday that will allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enro...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Eric Olson, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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