What Does Redshirt Mean in College Football?

Understanding the Redshirt Term in College Football

If you follow college football or keep track of NCAA sports, you've probably heard the term “redshirt.” But what does it actually mean for players and their eligibility? In college athletics, especially football, the word “redshirt” has a big impact on a student-athlete’s career. It is a key part of both player development and the overall team strategy.

What Does It Mean to Redshirt in NCAA Football?

Redshirting in college football refers to the practice of delaying or suspending an athlete’s participation in regular games for a year. This allows football players to extend their period of eligibility in the NCAA. During a redshirt year, a student-athlete can practice with the team, train, and attend meetings but does not participate in official games. This preserves a year of playing time for later in their college career.

• Extends NCAA eligibility: Players have five years to play four seasons.
• Allows for development: Athletes often use the redshirt year to get stronger, adapt academically, or recover from injury.
• Not limited to freshmen: Any college football player can be redshirted, not just first-year students.

How Does Redshirting Work for College Football Players?

Let’s break down the redshirt process with a focus on the NCAA’s football eligibility rules. College football athletes are typically granted four years of athletic eligibility, which must be used within a five-year window. By redshirting, whether voluntarily or because of an injury, a student-athlete can “pause” a year of competition.

Here is what happens if you take a redshirt season:

• You still enroll and attend classes full-time.
• You can practice with your team and receive coaching.
• You do not appear in more than the allowed number of games (currently up to four).
• The year does not count against your four years of playing eligibility.

The five-year “clock” starts when you enter college as a full-time student. Within that time, most players can only compete for four seasons. The redshirt lets you save a year for the future.

Types of Redshirt in NCAA Football

The redshirt designation comes in several forms. Each plays a unique role in college football programs:

• Traditional (or Standard) Redshirt: A player does not compete in games for a season for development or team needs. Still practices and travels (if allowed) with the team.
• Medical Redshirt (also known as Medical Hardship Waiver): If a player suffers a season-ending injury early enough and has played in less than 30% of the season, they can request this special waiver. The NCAA reviews these on a case-by-case basis.
• Academic Redshirt: For incoming freshmen who do not meet academic standards but can still practice if they qualify later. Rare in football but used in some cases.

The NCAA Four-Game Redshirt Rule

One major recent change is the introduction of the NCAA four-game redshirt rule for college football. This rule, introduced in 2018, allows players to participate in up to four games in a single season and still qualify for a redshirt. This encourages more flexibility and provides players with real-game experience without losing a full year of eligibility.

Key benefits include:

• Gives freshmen a taste of live college football.
• Helps teams manage injuries and roster shortages.
• Still preserves your eligibility for future seasons.

Why Do College Football Players Redshirt?

Redshirting is a common practice in NCAA Division I and II football programs. Coaches and athletes use the redshirt option for several reasons:

• Physical Development: Freshmen can use the extra year to build strength and size for competitive college football.
• Academic Adjustment: Redshirting helps first-year students balance school and sports.
• Depth Chart Placement: If an experienced player is ahead at your position, you can wait for your turn while learning the system.
• Injury Recovery: A redshirt prevents a lost season if you get hurt early in the year.
• Strategic Planning: Coaches use redshirting to balance recruiting classes and maintain roster balance.

How Redshirting Affects Student-Athletes and Team Strategy

The redshirt rule is a major tool in college football recruiting and roster management. For athletes, it can extend their education and give them a better chance to contribute on the field. For coaches, it means more flexibility in managing talent and planning for upcoming seasons.

• Helps teams replace outgoing seniors with experienced redshirt players.
• Gives athletes time to recover physically and mentally from injuries.
• Can boost graduation rates if used wisely.

Many of the nation’s top programs use redshirting to keep their depth chart full of talent, to keep up with recruiting cycles, and to give promising athletes an extra year to grow.

Redshirt Definition for Other College Sports

The concept of redshirting is not unique to football. You will find it in college basketball, baseball, track and field, and other NCAA sports. The basic idea is the same: preserve a year of eligibility for academic, athletic, or personal reasons.

In every sport, redshirting can impact a student-athlete’s college experience and their transition to professional sports if they pursue a career beyond school.

Frequently Asked Questions About Redshirting in College Football

What does a redshirt freshman mean in college football?

A redshirt freshman is a student-athlete in their second year of college but playing their first season of NCAA competition. They "redshirted" their first year and did not play in official games, keeping a year of eligibility for later.

Can college football players lose their redshirt status?

Yes. If a player participates in more than four games in a season, they lose their redshirt eligibility for that year. Their participation counts as one of their four allowed seasons.

Is it better to redshirt as a college football player?

Redshirting can be very beneficial for many players. It allows more time to develop physically and mentally. It can also help academically. However, whether it is better depends on each player’s unique situation and goals.

What is the difference between redshirt and true freshman?

A true freshman is a college student in their first year who is also playing in their first season of competition. A redshirt freshman is in their second year of college academically but competing in their first year of eligibility because they did not play in games during their true freshman year.

Do redshirt players travel with the team?

Redshirt players often travel with the team and participate in practices and meetings. Coaches may decide if a redshirt player travels, depending on team needs and NCAA rules.

Does redshirting affect scholarships for college football athletes?

No, redshirting usually does not affect a player’s scholarship. Athletes keep their scholarships while redshirting, as long as they remain eligible academically and follow team guidelines.