Student Athlete Act of 2026

This legislation establishes federal rules for student athlete eligibility in intercollegiate athletics, defining key terms like "grant-in-aid" and "transfer portal." It mandates that student athletes shall have 5 consecutive years of eligibility to play, regardless of injury or other events, superseding existing NCAA rules. The bill directs the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to set rules for the transfer portal, including specific notification periods for student athletes. Generally, a student athlete who transfers will be ineligible to compete during the academic year they enter the transfer portal, with a significant exception for their first transfer . The NCAA is also granted an antitrust exemption to establish these transfer rules. Additionally, the Act provides grant-in-aid protection , requiring institutions to honor their original financial commitments to student athletes, covering expenses like tuition, room, board, and health insurance. This protection transfers to the new institution upon a student athlete's transfer, though institutions can revoke aid if a student athlete is not in good standing. Finally, the bill preempts state laws that conflict with its provisions or limit the rights of student athletes, the NCAA, conferences, or institutions.