Penn State Athletes Granted Fifth Year of Eligibility for 2026-27

A significant ruling by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney has granted the high school class of 2022 a fifth year of eligibility, impacting college sports for the 2026-27 season. This decision comes amidst ongoing litigation that has challenged the NCAA's enforcement of its own rules.

The ruling allows players who have exhausted their four years of eligibility without a redshirt to compete in the upcoming season. Coaches are now expected to adjust their rosters accordingly, as the ruling permits exceptions to roster limits.

At Penn State, the ruling affects various sports, although players with professional contracts or those who enrolled after 2022 are ineligible. Notably, several athletes from the 2025 roster have signed NFL contracts, leaving only a few eligible players, including Josh Reed, who can enter the transfer portal soon.