What's the maximum number of years one can be eligible in their college career?

I've heard about athletes getting extra years of eligibility due to various circumstances. How does that work and what's the maximum number of years someone could technically be eligible?

Typically, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) allows student-athletes four seasons of competition in a span of five years. This is commonly referred to as the "five-year rule". The NCAA has established this in order to maintain athletes' focus on graduating within an appropriate timeline.

However, under certain circumstances, a student-athlete can receive a "redshirt" year or a medical hardship waiver, which can lead to an extension of their eligibility. A redshirt year is when an athlete participates in practices but not in games, often to develop their skills without using up a season of eligibility. A medical hardship waiver can be granted if an athlete is unable to compete for a significant portion of their season due to injury or illness.

In rare cases a sixth year of eligibility can be granted, but this typically involves complex scenarios involving injury, transfer, or personal hardship.

Then there's the "COVID-19 year". The NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to all college athletes who participated in spring sports in 2020 and fall sports 2020-2021 due to the pandemic. These athletes could see a total eligibility span of six or seven years under these exceptional circumstances.

Remember, each situation is unique and interpreted on a case-by-case basis, so it can vary. Always communicate with your athletic department for the most specific and accurate information.