The NCAA is weighing a proposal that would extend athletic eligibility to five years, measured from the point a student‑athlete graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever occurs first.
The change would not apply retroactively to the 2025‑26 season, meaning athletes whose eligibility would otherwise end at the close of that academic year would not receive the extra year automatically.
At Kansas State, head coach Collin Klein is already using the potential rule as a recruiting advantage, particularly for quarterback Avery Johnson, who is entering his fourth year and could leverage the additional season to enhance his NFL draft prospects and secure additional financial incentives.
In basketball, Casey Alexander is factoring the same eligibility shift when building his inaugural roster, considering how an extra year might influence player development and scholarship allocations.
The rule could also delay opportunities for younger prospects such as Blake Barnett and Cam Kruse, who might have to wait an additional season before earning significant playing time.
Beyond the high‑profile programs, other Wildcats teams — including women’s basketball, track and field, volleyball and soccer — could feel the ripple effects of the new eligibility framework.
Brandon Rechsteiner stands as the only senior guaranteed a fifth year, while the eligibility of others hinges on injury history and redshirt status, and Nate Johnson, who transferred from Akron to Kansas State, may not benefit from retroactive application.
Strategic Implications for the Wildcats
Coaches must now balance the promise of an extra season against the risk of limiting fresh talent, and the ultimate shape of the policy will likely be decided by ongoing legal debates and conference discussions.