Ohio Order Allows Fifth Year Of Eligibility For Some College Athletes
Ohio's governor has signed an executive order allowing state colleges and universities to grant a fifth year of eligibility to athletes who graduated high school in 2022, overriding a new NCAA eligibility rule.
Albany Schenectady Troy, NY, October 13, 2026 —
Ohio’s governor has signed an executive order allowing state colleges and universities to grant a fifth year of eligibility to athletes who graduated from high school in 2022. The order overrides a new NCAA eligibility rule, according to the information provided.
The measure applies to athletes in the specified graduating class and gives Ohio’s public colleges and universities the ability to grant an additional year. The summary does not say that every eligible athlete will receive the extra year, or explain what criteria institutions may use when making decisions.
Details about the executive order were not provided, including the governor’s name, the date it was signed and the order’s formal title. The summary also does not identify the NCAA rule being overridden or describe how that rule would otherwise affect the athletes.
It is not clear from the available information which state colleges or universities are covered, how many athletes could qualify, or whether any institutions have acted under the order. The summary does not provide statements from the governor, the NCAA, universities or athletes.
The order’s stated scope is limited to athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and to the ability of Ohio state colleges and universities to grant a fifth year of eligibility. Further details about implementation and individual eligibility decisions were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by EDDIE PELLS and ALANIS THAMES, Associated Press on www.news10.com, see more information here.
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