PSU Football
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News—Jan. 13, 2026—Updated 1-14
Football Coaches Vote for New Redshirt Rule
FBS Coaches at the annual AFCA convention voted to approve a new redshirt rule that would permit football players to compete in 9 or fewer games in a single season without burning their redshirt for that season. The new policy still needs approval from the NCAA Division One Committee before it can take effect for the 2026 season.
The rule would replace the current “4 games or fewer” redshirt policy that was established in 2017. Coaches believe that the new 9-game rule will reduce the number of players who opt-out at mid-season to preserve an extra season of eligibility prior to heading into the Transfer Portal in January. Post-season/Bowl games will continue to not factor into the redshirt cap on games played.
This change could technically benefit a player such as Drew Allar who appeared in 6 games in 2025 prior to his injury. Under the current rule, and barring a medical redshirt (which Allar told ESPN in November was denied), Allar is out of eligibility. But, if the new rule is approved, Allar could play for Penn State in 2026, or he could play elsewhere as long as he enters his name in the Transfer Portal before it closes on Jan. 16. Allar only needs to enter the portal before it closes; he does not need to finalize a destination by then.
Talk of a “5-years total to play as many games as possible” plan was not considered due to fears of legal challenges over medical redshirts that have seen recently.
