local
Athletes in Ohio challenge new age-based eligibility rules set by NCAA
By Associated Press at KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News
· June 25, 2026
· 1 min read
The NCAA will now allow athletes five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. The move will all but eliminate waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except fo...
Key takeaway The move will all but eliminate waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except for religious missions, pregnancy or active-duty military service.
Why this matters in The Barton Creek
In the Austin area, where high school athletics are a staple of community life, the new NCAA eligibility rules may have a significant impact on local student-athletes who aspire to compete at the collegiate level. For instance, athletes in Barton Creek who attend schools in the surrounding area will now have to carefully plan their athletic careers, taking into account the strict five-season limit. This change may affect the way local coaches and athletic directors advise their students, particularly those who may be injured during their high school careers. The elimination of waivers for injured athletes may also influence the decisions of college recruiters who regularly scout talent in the Austin area, potentially altering the trajectory of athletic scholarships and opportunities for local students. As the new rules take effect, it will be worth watching how they play out for athletes in Barton Creek and the broader Austin community.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News . The Barton Creek surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The Barton Creek stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The NCAA will now allow athletes five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. The move will all but eliminate waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except fo...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News and curated for The Barton Creek readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News. To learn more about how The Barton Creek selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Barton Creek, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter