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The NCAA is on the verge of moving to an age-based eligibility model for college sports.

The NCAA is on the verge of moving to an age-based eligibility model for college sports.

A streamlined age-based eligibility system would eliminate redshirts, reduce waiver battles and help keep college sports centered on college-aged athletes.

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Dec 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Diego State Aztecs guard Reese Dixon-Waters (39).

Feb 14, 2026; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) grabs a rebound against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at James H. Hilton Coliseum.

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti planted the league’s flag on several issues in college sports last week ahead of the SEC spring meetings this week.

Jamari Welch and his brother Jalen pose for a photo before Athens Academy football practice on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.

Mar 11, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Milan Momcilovic (22) shoots the ball during the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at T-Mobile Center.

Ty Benefield.

Brentwood's Davis Cochran (2) celebrates with Parker Emerson (0) after making a basket against Franklin during a TSSAA high school basketball Region 6-4A semifinal game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Franklin, Tenn.

Oct 4, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Boise State Broncos quarterback Maddux Madsen (4).

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Iowa State Cyclones mascot performs during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Mississippi Rebels at Fiserv Forum.

Iowa State University men's basketball head coach T.J. Otzelberger talks to media during the university men's basketball media day at the university Sukup Basketball complex Wednesday, Oct 12, 2022, in Ames, Iowa.

ESPN's Maria Taylor interviews Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell during \"College GameDay\" filmed outside of Jack Trice Stadium before the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2019, in Ames, Iowa.

March 8, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon State Beavers forward Isaiah Sy (13) celebrates against the San Francisco Dons during the second half at Orleans Arena.

Iowa State offensive coordinate Tyler Roehl talks to media during a media opportunity at Stark Performance center on Feb. 11, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.

Harry Stewart III.

Angel Cervantes has helped UCLA go 51-6 this season with the help of a reptilian friend.

Mar 22, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger calls a play during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center.

Jimmy Rogers speaks during his introductory press conference as Iowa State’s new head football coach on Dec. 8, 2025, at Iowa State University in Ames, IA.

May is Complaint Month in college sports with leaders airing their grievances on everything from postseason expansion to eligibility concerns. Sports Illustrated examines these complaints and where the sport is headed.

Mar 20, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger talks with the media during the NCAA first round practice session at CHI Health Center Omaha.

Dec 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Diego State Aztecs forward Tae Simmons (8) against the Arizona Wildcats during the Hall of Fame Series at Mortgage Matchup Center.

There’s no way your Memorial Day weekend was more eventful than Mia Williams’s.

Mar 19, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Northern Iowa guardLeon Bond III (35) answers a question at a press conference ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.

Oregon wide receiver Justius Lowe.

Nov 9, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Iowa State Cyclones helmets on the bench during the first quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.