NCAA’s 5-in-5 Rule Eases Burden for College Football Coaches
College football coaches are expressing approval for the NCAA's 5-in-5 rule, which removes the burden of deciding player redshirt status from their increasingly demanding responsibilities.
Des Moines Ames, IA, September 29, 2026 —
College football coaches are voicing their approval for a recent NCAA rule change that simplifies player eligibility decisions. The NCAA’s 5-in-5 rule, implemented to address evolving needs within collegiate athletics, is being recognized by coaches for alleviating a significant administrative and strategic burden.
Previously, coaches often faced complex decisions regarding whether to have student-athletes use a year of eligibility to compete (redshirt) or preserve it for future seasons. This often required balancing immediate team needs, player development, and long-term program strategy. Under the 5-in-5 rule, student-athletes can now participate in up to five games in a season without forfeiting their ability to redshirt, and they have five years to complete their four years of eligibility. This adjustment provides more flexibility for players and removes the pressure from coaches to make definitive redshirt decisions early in a player’s career.
The sentiment among coaches appears to be one of relief, as the rule change allows them to focus more attention on coaching and player development rather than administrative tasks tied to eligibility. The exact number of coaches who have expressed approval was not provided. The rule aims to enhance the student-athlete experience by offering greater flexibility and reducing the pressure associated with traditional redshirt policies. This aligns with broader trends in college sports toward adapting policies to better suit the modern student-athlete and coaching environment.
The implementation of the 5-in-5 rule reflects the NCAA’s ongoing efforts to adapt its regulations. The association has been reviewing and modifying policies to better serve its member institutions and student-athletes in a dynamic landscape. The specific details of the rule, including its exact effective date and any associated legislative filings, were not detailed in the provided summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Larry Lage and Associated Press,Associated Press on who13.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
