KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Four years may no longer be the finish line.
On November 4, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) membership approved legislation expanding athletic eligibility from four years to five, with the new rule taking effect in Fall 2027.
Under the new model, student-athletes who meet academic progress requirements and all other NAIA eligibility standards will have the opportunity to compete for a fifth year. Even more significant, those five years do not have to be consecutive, allowing student-athletes greater flexibility to step away from school, attend part-time, and return to competition.
For North American University, this decision could open some interesting doors.
The expanded eligibility creates additional opportunities in recruiting, particularly when evaluating transfers from NCAA institutions who may still have NAIA eligibility remaining. It also gives NAU coaches another opportunity to retain experienced players, develop returning talent, and build continuity within their programs.
But there is more to consider than another year on the field or court.
The change also brings important conversations about enrollment, academic progress, financial aid, scholarships, and roster management. An additional year of eligibility could mean another year of tuition, housing, and institutional support. Athletics and university administration will need to work together to understand the academic and financial implications.
The new legislation will apply to student-athletes who began the 2026-27 academic year with eligibility remaining and have sufficient terms of attendance available. Those who exhausted their four years before the 2026-27 academic year will not have eligibility restored.
For the Stallions, preparation starts now. Reviewing current rosters, identifying potentially eligible student-athletes, and understanding the recruiting opportunities will be important as NAU approaches the 2027-28 academic year.
Five years. More opportunities. Another chance to compete.
The NAIA is changing the game, and North American University has an opportunity to make the most of it.
Hooves Up! Gooooooo Stallionssssssssss!!!
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For additional information, visit the NAIA Path Forward Task Force
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