The NCAA's proposed "5-in-5" rule, which would allow college basketball players five seasons of eligibility in five years, eliminating traditional redshirting, is likely to be delayed, leaving current college seniors in limbo. This rule change, which was expected to be implemented for the 2025-26 season, has now been put into question. The conflicting timelines have created roster planning challenges for college basketball coaches, who are unsure about the future of the rule. The uncertainty directly affects top seniors who could use an additional year of development. Purdue guard Braden Smith, named Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year, would have the option of a fifth season if he’s not selected in the 2026 NBA Draft. UCLA point guard Donovan Dent, another preseason All-American selection, would exhaust his eligibility next March or April under current rules. The rule change would also increase competition for roster spots, with 23-year-old fifth-year veterans potentially taking positions that would otherwise go to incoming freshmen. This would likely push more high school seniors toward junior college, Division II programs, or low-major Division I schools. The proposed model would eliminate redshirting as currently practiced in college basketball, which has been a crucial part of the development model for many players. Purdue coach Matt Painter has used strategic redshirting to develop players, and the proposed change has been met with criticism from coaches who want to give players more opportunities to stay and grow. The uncertainty surrounding the rule change has also affected recruiting decisions, as coaches are unsure about the eligibility of current seniors. The NCAA's administrative processes are slow, and the rule change may not be enacted in time to help current seniors, leaving them in a state of limbo.
