NCAA New Eligibility

UsuallyRight57

Redshirt
Dec 12, 2025
46
24
8
Haven’t been on in awhile so forgive me if this was a previous thread. With eligibility now starting when student athlete turns 19, I wonder if that will force these kids who did 8th grade twice to reclassify to their original class to keep an extra year of college eligibility.

didn’t know this was a thing until the last year.
 

Edgytim

Senior
Staff member
May 29, 2001
684
948
113
Haven’t been on in awhile so forgive me if this was a previous thread. With eligibility now starting when student athlete turns 19, I wonder if that will force these kids who did 8th grade twice to reclassify to their original class to keep an extra year of college eligibility.

didn’t know this was a thing until the last year.
They will basically lose a year of eligibility...the one aspect I don't like about it is when it comes to injury. Eliminating the injury review process and making those kids lose a year is something I'm sure will get challenged
 

Jenny27

Junior
Aug 3, 2019
213
282
51
Haven’t been on in awhile so forgive me if this was a previous thread. With eligibility now starting when student athlete turns 19, I wonder if that will force these kids who did 8th grade twice to reclassify to their original class to keep an extra year of college eligibility.

didn’t know this was a thing until the last year.
Its the start of the academic year immediately following their 19th birthday.
 

Colin2299

Junior
Aug 13, 2025
357
254
63
I don’t think it changes anything for the 8th graders. The reason you are repeating 8th grade is to give you the best chance to GET A DIVISION 1 SCHOLARSHIP.

That doesn’t change.

I do hope the parents wise up and realize how ludicrous it is to have your son repeat 8th grade.

“My son isn’t good enough yet so I’m going to hold him back a year.

Darn, he’s still not good enough so let’s hold him back another year.

Let’s hold him back one more time just to make sure.”
 

McCaravan

All-American
Feb 1, 2016
4,844
7,600
113
I don’t think it changes anything for the 8th graders. The reason you are repeating 8th grade is to give you the best chance to GET A DIVISION 1 SCHOLARSHIP.

That doesn’t change.

I do hope the parents wise up and realize how ludicrous it is to have your son repeat 8th grade.

“My son isn’t good enough yet so I’m going to hold him back a year.

Darn, he’s still not good enough so let’s hold him back another year.

Let’s hold him back one more time just to make sure.”
I've heard it becoming common with wrestlers at the lighter weights. Wrestler in the 8th grade, IKWF Champ, weighs 80lbs, lightest weight in 106 on Varsity, they repeat 8th grade year and come in at a weight much closer to 106 with a year of gaining weight. Just something I was told
 

chisox05

Sophomore
Apr 19, 2012
253
131
43
The rule is pretty loose actually. Your clock starts the academic year AFTER you turn 19, if I'm understanding it correctly. So I think it will keep happening.

If you were born in the Fall, like I was...heck, I could've done 8th grade three times I think, lol.
 
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mc140

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
8,823
2,898
113
It only impacts the two year hold backs who turn 20 before they start college. Like the #1 wrestler in the country. Well actually he gets five years because rule doesn't go into effect until class of 27.
 
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mc140

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
8,823
2,898
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You should get 5 years starting the year after your 18th birthday. Instead we are going to get flooded with more hold backs.
 
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