Playing the Fifth: College Athletes versus the NCAA’s Redshirt Rule

Summary

A group of college athletes has filed a class-action lawsuit against the NCAA’s redshirt rule, arguing that the limitation of four years of competition within a five-year eligibility window violates antitrust law and restricts their ability to earn income from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The athletes advocate for “five years to practice, five years to graduate, five years to play,” emphasizing the lost opportunities caused by the current rule. Previous lawsuits and involvement from the Department of Justice highlight growing legal pressure on the NCAA’s control over athlete eligibility and compensation. This legal battle reflects a broader movement to reform longstanding amateurism rules in college sports and ensure athletes have fair access to both competition and earning potential.