NCAA tweaks redshirt rules, allows players to preserve eligibility

College football will soon see an influx of eligibility, as a rule allowing players to participate in up to four games before burning a redshirt season passed a Division I Council vote on Wednesday.

The new rule was passed with players that are struck down by early-season injuries in mind, but will also allow players that are used sparingly to prolong their college careers, creating more opportunity for athletes to contribute on the field of competition.

The proposal was discussed by the council back in April and was tabled at that time before being passed on Wednesday afternoon. The new rule will go into effect during the upcoming, 2018-19 season.

Division I Council chair and University of Miami athletics director Blake James weighed in on the decision as part of an NCAA press release, the entirety of which can be found here.

“This change promotes not only fairness for college athletes, but also their health and well-being,” Blake said. “Redshirt football student-athletes are more likely to remain engaged with the team, and starters will be less likely to feel pressure to play through injuries,” James said. “Coaches will appreciate the additional flexibility and ability to give younger players an opportunity to participate in limited competition.”