The NCAA’s current eligibility and transfer rules have long been a source of confusion and controversy. In a bold move, ESPN analyst and former college basketball coach Fran Fraschilla has proposed a comprehensive overhaul aimed at bringing clarity and fairness to the system.
His plan, dubbed “Fran’s Plan to Fix NCAA Eligibility,” has sparked widespread discussion among fans, coaches, and analysts alike.
Fraschilla’s proposal centers on granting athletes five full years of eligibility within a five-year window, eliminating the complexities of redshirt years and medical waivers.
He also suggests a one-time transfer exception with immediate eligibility and stipulates that a second transfer would require the athlete to sit out a season unless their head coach departs the program. This approach aims to balance athlete mobility with program stability.
Fran Fraschilla’s Five-Year Eligibility Proposal: A Game-Changer
This idea tackles a lot of the problems we’ve seen in college sports lately. Giving everyone a straight-up five years of eligibility clears out a lot of the current confusion. As Fraschilla put it on X, “Five full years of eligibility at all NCAA levels in a five-year window—PERIOD.”
He’s also looking at how to clean up the wild transfer portal scene. Letting players make one move freely makes sense; they need flexibility. But making them sit a year if they transfer again (unless their coach bails) might slow down all the constant team-hopping and help locker rooms stay solid.
Fran’s Plan to Fix NCAA Eligibility
(I’m perfectly aware that this makes too much sense to implement.)
Five full years of eligibility at all NCAA levels in a five-year window—PERIOD.
One one-time transfer exception and the second transfer requires a sit-out season.
The…
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) May 10, 2025
Fraschilla didn’t forget about JUCO or international players, either. JUCO transfers with a two-year degree would still get four years of eligibility, which lines up pretty well. And for international players who’ve played pro ball after turning 18, they’d lose a year of eligibility for each year they were paid to play, seems fair to keep the playing field level.
Green Bay head coach Doug Gottlieb saw Fraschilla’s post and just replied, “Approved.” Simple and to the point. But not everyone’s convinced. A lot of fans are wondering if the NCAA will go for something this practical, given their slow track record on change.
Fraschilla’s proposal has ignited a flurry of reactions across social media. Many commend its straightforwardness, with one fan tweeting, “You hit the nail on the head.” Others, however, question its feasibility, suggesting that such sensible reforms are unlikely to be adopted by the NCAA.
Some fans are worried it might open new loopholes. One person pointed out that if a coach quits or retires, that exception could lead to a bunch of players transferring out all at once, which might wreck team chemistry.
Others say a strict five-year window doesn’t leave much room for serious injuries or other personal stuff that might sideline someone for a season.
Fraschilla acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the need for reform. “Great. We keep this up with no restrictions, we won’t have a sport that we closely recognize in 10 years,” he posted. He’s worried the current system is setting college sports up for a fall if something doesn’t change soon.
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The NCAA hasn’t said anything official about Fraschilla’s plan yet, but the fact that it’s got everyone talking is a good sign. Whether or not the NCAA adopts such reforms remains to be seen, but the dialogue underscores the pressing need for systemic change.
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