Troy Dunn

The NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model is facing another legal challenge — this time with medical redshirts directly in the spotlight. Campbell and other plaintiffs have refiled their lawsuit in Colorado federal court challenging the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility model and its elimination of traditional hardship and medical waivers. Under the new system, an athlete’s five-year eligibility clock generally continues to run even if a season-ending injury prevents them from competing. The NCAA maintained limited exceptions for circumstances including pregnancy, military service and official religious missions, but the previous medical-redshirt system is largely eliminated. The plaintiffs argue the rule can prevent athletes from receiving a full five years of competitive eligibility because of circumstances outside their control, including serious injuries. This is a lawsuit challenging the rule — not a ruling against the NCAA. But it puts another piece of the NCAA’s new eligibility model directly in front of a federal court as legal challenges to college sports eligibility continue to grow.