NCAA Eligibility Update

The Hill Academy has been closely following the updates from the NCAA regarding Division I eligibility changes.

RULE CHANGE

On Wednesday June 24, the Division I Cabinet officially approved a sweeping change that will permit Division I student-athletes up to five years of eligibility, if they enroll in college no later than the academic year after their 19th birthday. With the changes come the elimination of the redshirt rule and eligibility extension waiver.

The rule change will be effective for all prospects initially enrolling full time in college in fall 2027 or later. 

IMPLEMENTATION

For student-athletes enrolling full-time in college for the first time in fall 2026 and current student-athletes with eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 academic year, Division I schools will apply the previous rules (allowing four seasons of competition within five years) or the age-based model, whichever results in the most favourable outcome for each individual student-athlete. 

Student-Athletes	Which Eligibility Rule Applies
Student-athletes who used their final season of competition (under previous rules) during 2025-26.	No additional eligibility.
Current student-athletes with eligibility remaining (under previous rules) after the 2025-26 academic year.	Either the previous rules OR the new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete.
Prospects who initially enroll full time at any college or university during 2026-27.	Either the previous rules OR the new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete.
Prospects who initially enroll full time at any college or university in fall 2027 or later.	The age-based model only.

WHAT THIS MEANS AT THE HILL

This regulatory evolution directly strengthens the position of The Hill Academy as a premier preparatory institution for student-athletes aiming for the NCAA Division I level. The Hill’s optional Post-Graduate (PG) program provides the ideal vehicle for strategic reclassification, giving graduates a structured environment to bridge the gap between high school and college.

Within this specialized framework, student-athletes can upgrade academic courses to boost university admissions (if required), step into vital team leadership roles, and continue to excel in their sport-specific training. Complemented by an individualized strength and conditioning plan, a PG year at The Hill ensures that student-athletes enter the NCAA with an additional year of targeted physical and mental growth, fully prepared to meet the demands of D1 athletics while staying compliant with the new age-19 enrollment thresholds.

Over the last twenty year, The Hill Academy has assisted in placing hundreds of student-athletes in NCAA, U Sports and Junior Hockey, and continues to offer well-informed advice for your student-athlete's pursuit of their next highest level of achievement.

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