Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has long pursued an older, more seasoned lineup, believing that experience translates into on‑field success. Yet the modern college football landscape, marked by the transfer portal and name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities, makes retaining that veteran core increasingly difficult.
The Five‑Year Eligibility Proposal
The NCAA is set to adopt a ‘five‑for‑five’ rule that would grant athletes up to five years of eligibility if they enroll before the academic year after they turn 19. Beginning in 2027, the rule eliminates the traditional redshirt year, allowing players to spread their five seasons over a longer timeline and giving younger athletes earlier playing time.
Sarkisian sees the legislation as a potential simplification of roster management. By extending eligibility, coaches can plan for a more fluid development curve, focusing on underrated prospects who can grow over multiple years rather than chasing immediate impact transfers.
Roster Realities at Texas and Beyond
The Longhorns already boast one of the nation’s oldest squads, with 25 players entering the transfer portal this past offseason. Sarkisian has bolstered his roster with veterans such as wide receiver Cam Coleman, running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, and has also recruited Arch Manning, a highly touted quarterback whose presence adds another layer of experience.
Other programs are feeling similar pressures. UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor has seen six to eight of his players sit out seasons to maximize NIL earnings, while Texas State’s GJ Kinne has watched key contributors leave for comparable opportunities. These trends illustrate how the portal and NIL landscape are reshaping team composition across the country.
Recruiting in a New Era
If the five‑year rule becomes reality, Sarkisian may pivot his recruiting strategy toward underrated prospects who can be developed over time, rather than relying heavily on immediate‑impact transfers. This approach could foster deeper player‑coach relationships and create a more stable pipeline of talent that aligns with the extended eligibility framework.
The implications reach beyond Texas. The NCAA’s move promises to give younger athletes more flexibility and exposure, while also offering coaches a clearer blueprint for building rosters that balance experience with emerging talent. As the 2027 implementation date approaches, programs will need to adapt their scholarship strategies, scholarship limits, and long‑term planning to stay competitive.