A new executive order in place could reshape the future of college football and how they function, altering rules on transfer and eligibility. On April 3, President Donald Trump passed an executive order labeled “Urgent National Action to Save College Sports,” to modify current NCAA collegiate sports rules to take place Aug, 1, 2026. Some of these regulations include: Implementing a five-for-five eligibility. This rule means athletes are granted five years to play or participate in five seasons. The executive order also grants an athlete to transfer once to a different school before they graduate. There is an exception that the athlete may be granted another transfer if they obtain a four year degree. Without the compliance of college teams around the world of these rules, they could risk losing their federal funding.
These rules are different from the actual NCAA rules which are currently in place, which include a rule that states that athletes can play four seasons in a five year period. The new proposal, in Trump’s words, is said to “solve every problem in this room.”
“I like the rule. Athletes transfer too much for money. I think the main issue is people go around looking for NIL money, and they don’t care about the sport. I think the new rules make everything fair. You get the one transfer. If you don’t like the school you are at and then you’re stuck with the school you transfer to and you play there,” said junior Kyle Woods who plays center for the FVHS varsity football team.
However, the question remains on how the order addresses the growing debate over athlete employment and NIL compensation.
Overall, as the implemented changes come closer, athletes, coaches and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the new rules shape the future of collegiate sports.
