HBCU athletic programs have gone through a period of adjustment in this new era of college athletics.
Soon, a new rule could be in place that could impact programs even further.
According to an Associated Press report, the NCAA is reportedly discussing a five-year eligibility rule for college athletes.
The rule would permit student athletes five years of eligibility based on two windows: the athlete’s 19th birthday or their high school graduation.
This rule is apparently in line with Donald Trump’s executive order limiting athletes to five years of eligibility and one transfer.
The report states that “There would be limited exceptions, but they would not involve injuries, which has been a common reason for players to ask for extra eligibility.”
The NCAA is also seeking a limited antitrust exemption from Congress to prevent college athletes from suing for more eligibility.
As HBCUs have been among the hardest hit by the transfer portal and NIL era, this rule could help programs keep athletes or force them to decide whether the NIL/compensation era is a game worth playing.
