The Division I Cabinet on Friday continued to discuss elements of the age-based eligibility model that could be considered for a formal vote as early as the end of this month.

The Cabinet modified the age-based model to start a student-athlete’s eligibility clock upon initial full-time enrollment in college or at the beginning of the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs earlier. This adjustment would be applicable for all sports if the model is adopted.

The adjustment follows recommendations from stakeholders in men’s ice hockey, men’s basketball and the U.S. national service academies.

During its May meeting, the Cabinet outlined the anticipated implementation process for student-athletes with eligibility remaining who have already enrolled in college, as well as prospects who turned 19 prior to 2026 and who have not yet enrolled in college. Those implementation models will continue to apply to student-athletes and prospects with eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 academic year and will be updated to reflect the adjustment made today by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet plans to consider the age-based eligibility model at its June 23-24 meeting.

The Cabinet also reiterated that for current student-athletes, any waivers pertaining to eligibility under current rules (based on circumstances that impacted the student-athlete during or before the 2025-26 academic year) must be submitted by schools and conferences no later than July 31.

Clemson wide receiver Tristan Smith requested a waiver for an extra year of eligibility, but was denied by the NCAA late last year. He filed a suit in Pickens County, and his case will be heard this coming Monday (June 8). Until then, he is allowed to take part in all team activities.

Smith spent the first two years of his college career playing at the JUCO level before moving to FCS school, Southeast Missouri State. He then transferred to Clemson for the 2025 season.

In the spring, Smith missed the second half of spring practices with an ankle injury. He had tightrope surgery in March and is expected to be ready to play this fall if he is granted another year of eligibility.

–News release courtesy of the NCAA (NCAA.org)