The NCAA’s new “five-for-five” rule is shaking up college sports. Athletes now get five years of eligibility from the moment they start college.
This change wipes out redshirting, which should make eligibility a lot less confusing. Auburn University, especially in football and basketball, could see some real upside here.
Let’s dig into how Auburn’s roster, mainly the football team, might be affected by this new setup.
The Five-for-Five Rule: A Game Changer for College Sports
The NCAA’s approval of the “five-for-five” rule is a big deal. Every player gets five years of eligibility, starting when they begin college or after they turn 19—whichever happens first.
Redshirt seasons are gone, which should make things simpler after years of complicated waivers and exceptions. Current players are being folded into the new system, so the transition should be pretty smooth.
Impact on Auburn’s Football Roster
Auburn football already has one of the SEC’s most proven backfields, and this rule change could make them even tougher. Guys like Jeremiah Cobb and Bryson Washington get a shot at longer college careers, which could mean more records and better team chemistry.
- Jeremiah Cobb: Joined Auburn in 2023 and made an immediate impact. He’s already racked up 1,283 yards, and with a fifth season, he might end up among Auburn’s all-time greats with over 3,000 rushing yards.
- Bryson Washington: Came in with Cobb in 2023 and redshirted his first year. Now, he gets another season, giving Auburn a stacked backfield heading into 2027.
Key Players Benefiting from the Five-for-Five Rule
Other Auburn players are set to benefit, too. Athletes who started college in 2023 would have missed out on the 2027 season, but now they’ve got another chance.
Let’s take a look at a few of these guys.
Offensive and Defensive Standouts
- Skinner: Was supposed to redshirt at USF in 2023, but after an injury, he ended up starting six games. Now he’s Auburn’s main right guard and could keep that spot through 2027.
- Womack: A 5-star recruit who started at LSU in 2023. Last year at Ole Miss, he tallied 4.5 tackles for loss, and Auburn’s counting on him to anchor the defense.
- Johnson: Started at App State, where he led in tackles for loss and sacks as a freshman. After transferring to Missouri and then Auburn, he’s filled some big holes on the defensive line.
Special Teams and Other Key Positions
- Gibbs: Wasn’t the main kicker at Southern Miss as a freshman, but he handled kickoffs all season. If he sticks with that role at Auburn, he’ll get the benefit of the five-for-five rule in 2027.
- Hudson Kaak: The Australian punter started college at 21, and there’s a chance the NCAA could make an exception for his eligibility because of his international status.
Auburn Basketball: A New Era of Eligibility
Football gets most of the attention, but Auburn basketball isn’t left out. Players like Kevin Overton, Thomas Dowd, Adam Olsen, and Owen Freeman all get one more year after next season.
This extra year could mean a more experienced, tighter-knit team—maybe even a deeper run in the SEC. It’s hard not to get a little excited about what that could mean for Auburn hoops.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Auburn Athletics
The NCAA’s five-for-five rule is shaking things up for Auburn athletics. With players getting more eligibility, both football and basketball squads have a real shot at keeping their best talent around longer.
This means more experience on the field and court, which is never a bad thing. The eligibility process is simpler now, and honestly, that just gives Auburn an edge—if they play their cards right.
If you want to dive deeper into how Auburn’s roster could look, check out the full article on 247Sports.
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