What is a redshirt freshman?

A redshirt freshman is a college athlete who is in their second academic year of college but their first year of athletic eligibility.

Here's the breakdown:

• Redshirt Year: A player can be designated as a "redshirt" during their first year. This means they can practice with the team but cannot participate in official games. This allows them to develop their skills and acclimate to the college level without using up a year of their athletic eligibility. A change in NCAA rules now allows athletes to participate in up to four games while still retaining their redshirt status.

• Freshman Status: College athletes have eligibility for only four years, so they enter as freshmen.

• Redshirt Freshman: Therefore, a redshirt freshman is in their second academic year as a student, classified as a "freshman" athletically because they didn't use a year of eligibility their first year via being a redshirt.

Benefits of being a Redshirt:

• Development: Additional time to improve skills, strength, and understanding of the game.
• Academic Adjustment: Ease the transition to college academics.
• Physical Maturity: Allows for gaining size and strength.
• Strategic Team Planning: Coaches can use the redshirt year to strategically manage roster depth and future team needs.

Important Subjects:

• Redshirt
• Eligibility
• NCAA
• Freshman