NCAA Convention Update: Key Division II & III Proposals Athletes Should Know
At the January 2026 NCAA Convention, Division II and Division III acted on separate proposals with different priorities, so outcomes (and timelines) don’t match across divisions. That matters because families often plan recruiting, transfers, and academics assuming “the NCAA changed the rule,” when it may only apply to one division.
Here’s what athletes and families need to know.
Proposal 1: DIII mandatory Transfer Portal (Approved):
Division III approved a move to require the NCAA Transfer Portal for student-athletes transferring from another four-year college, replacing “permission to contact” with a “notification of transfer” model. The rule requires an educational module and then gives the school seven calendar days to place the athlete into the portal, with an effective date of Aug. 1, 2026.
Who’s most affected: transfers leaving a four-year school (including DI/DII-to-DIII and NAIA-to-DIII).
Family impact (money/rosters/timing):
More predictable timelines can reduce “stalling” and missed recruiting windows.
Better transparency can help athletes compare options earlier—before financial aid and housing deadlines hit.
Scenario example: A sophomore at a small four-year college wants to move closer to home and compete in DIII. Starting Aug. 2026, finishing the module and getting entered within seven days helps the family plan visits and admissions steps with less uncertainty.
Questions to ask your coach/compliance office:
Which transfers at this school must use the portal vs. DIII self-release?
When and how is the educational module completed?
Who confirms the “seven-day” clock starts, and what proof does the athlete get?
Proposal 2: DIII “redshirt” concept (Defeated):
Division III defeated a proposal that would have charged a season of eligibility only if the athlete actually competed, rather than triggering it through practicing after the first contest. As a result, the current DIII approach remains: practicing after the first contest can still cost a season. While families assume “no game played” means “no season used,” that’s incorrect in DIII.
What this means for your planning
Decide early: develop off-roster vs. practice with the team.
Get the decision in writing (email trail matters).
Re-check medical hardship options separately (don’t assume this vote affected them).
Scenario example: A first-year athlete is injured and can’t compete, but wants to stay involved in practice after the opener. In DIII, that choice may still burn a season, so the family should ask compliance before the athlete practices again.
Proposal 3: DII five seasons of competition (Sent back/referred):
Division II considered expanding eligibility to allow up to five seasons of competition within the first 10 semesters/15 quarters, but leadership recommended (and the process moved toward) sending it back for further review instead of adopting it now. The Division II Executive Board indicated it expects to report back in time for potential legislation at the 2028 NCAA Convention, meaning no near-term change.
What “sent back for review” means:
It’s not approved, so families should plan under the current DII eligibility structure.
It could return later—possibly revised based on student-athlete concerns.
Do this now anyway (checklist)
Map remaining semesters/quarters and seasons with your compliance office.
Save participation records (practice/competition dates, travel, stats).
Keep medical documentation organized if injury/illness is involved.
Don’t delay transfer or recruiting decisions waiting for a rule that may change in 2028.
Scenario example: A DII junior who took a stop-out semester hopes a “five seasons” rule will create another year to compete. For now, that family should assume the rule won’t change before the athlete’s graduation window and plan accordingly.
Action checklist for athletes & parents
Eligibility docs: unofficial transcript, term-by-term enrollment history, participation logs.
Transfer: written request dates, module completion proof (DIII), coach/compliance emails.
Financial aid timing: admissions deadlines, housing deposits, scholarship renewal dates.
Medical/injury: diagnosis, treatment timeline, clearance notes, missed-competition documentation.
If your athlete is facing an eligibility crunch, a transfer timeline issue, or conflicting guidance from a school, Christine Brown & Partners can help you plan proactively and protect your options before a season or an opportunity slips away.
