No, they are different circumstances. It has always been 5 years to play 4. With Covid, it became 6 years to play 4. Medical redshirts can add additional eligibility.Right, wouldn't this kid of the same argument as Shafer or Walker? Walker played for 7 years, if I'm remembering right.
Matan didn't play during the Covid season, then only played in two games in 2021, played in 2022, 2023, and 2024. A lot of guys are getting a 5th year of eligibility.
Like I said, though, I'm no expert on this. I was asking, and maybe the answer is that I'm just wrong.
Chris Walker
2017- RS
2018- RS Freshman
2019- Medical RS
2020- Covid
2021-RS Sophmore
2022- RS Junior
2023- RS Senior/Grad (7th year granted due to Covid & Medical RS)
Shafer
2021- Freshman (2 games played)
2022- Sophmore
2023- Junior
2024- Senior
2025- Grad (5th year granted due to limited action his first year in college. Never used a traditional RS)
Matan
2020- Covid
2021- RS
2022- RS Freshman
2023- RS Sophomore
2024- RS Junior
2025- RS Senior/Grad (4th year playing. Already used Covid year and traditional RS)
For example, if Matan were to miss the 2025 season due to injury, he likely would receive a medical waiver to return in 2026 for his 7th year. Hope this helps to clarify!