The Division I Cabinet on Friday continued its review of an age-based eligibility model that could be brought forward for a formal vote as early as the end of this month.
As part of ongoing discussions, the Cabinet approved a modification to the proposed model that would start an athlete’s eligibility clock either upon initial full-time enrollment in college or at the beginning of the academic year following the athlete’s 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. The change would apply across all sports, including hockey, if the model is ultimately adopted.
The adjustment reflects feedback and recommendations from men’s hockey, men’s basketball and the U.S. service academies.
The Cabinet also reaffirmed implementation plans outlined during its May meeting for athletes who have remaining eligibility and are already enrolled in college, as well as prospective athletes who turned 19 before 2026 and have not yet enrolled. Those transition provisions will remain in place for student-athletes and prospects with eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 academic year and will be updated to reflect the latest modification to the proposed model.
In addition, the Cabinet reiterated that schools and conferences must submit any eligibility waivers under current NCAA rules — including those related to circumstances affecting athletes during or before the 2025-26 academic year — no later than July 31.
The Division I Cabinet is scheduled to revisit the age-based eligibility proposal during its June 23-24 meeting, where members could take a key step toward advancing the model for formal consideration.