Dakota State supports expanded NAIA eligibility opportunities
November 4, 2026
MADISON, S.D. — Dakota State University supports the NAIA’s adoption of a fifth season of competition. This change will give eligible student-athletes more opportunities to compete while continuing to pursue their academic goals.
NAIA members approved the measure Nov. 4, and the new model takes effect in fall 2027. It allows student-athletes to compete in a fifth season if they meet academic-progress requirements and all other eligibility standards.
Dakota State voted in favor of the proposal after reviewing how the change would affect its student-athletes and the opportunities available to them.
For DSU, the decision centered on students.
“This is about giving student-athletes more opportunity and more flexibility as they move through college,” said Bud Postma, Director of Athletics at Dakota State. “Our students invest a tremendous amount of time and effort in both their education and their sport. If they have the opportunity to continue competing while making progress toward a degree or pursuing graduate education, we see that as a positive for the student-athlete experience.”
The new model expands the maximum number of seasons of competition from four to five within the NAIA’s existing limit of 10 semesters or 15 quarters of attendance. Student-athletes must make the required academic progress and meet all other eligibility requirements to compete in a fifth season. The five seasons do not have to be consecutive, giving students flexibility to take time away from school or enroll part-time.
The additional season can benefit student-athletes whose academic and athletic paths do not fit neatly within four years. It can provide more time for development, create opportunities for students who continue into graduate programs, and allow student-athletes to remain connected to the teammates, coaches, and experiences that are an important part of their college careers.
It also gives students greater flexibility when making decisions about their academic progress and athletic participation.
“We want our student-athletes to have options,” Postma said. “Every student’s journey is different. This gives them another opportunity to continue developing, to take on leadership roles, and to make decisions that support both their education and their goals as an athlete.”
For Dakota State coaches, the change also creates additional opportunities to support students throughout their collegiate careers.
“This gives us another way to support student-athletes in their individual careers,” said Josh Anderson, Dakota State head football coach. “Some students may benefit from another year of development. Others may be starting graduate school or stepping into a bigger leadership role within the team. The important part is that they have another opportunity available to them if it makes sense for their academic and athletic goals.”
The change aligns with Dakota State’s emphasis on supporting the full student experience. Athletics provides students opportunities to compete, lead, build relationships, and develop skills that extend beyond their sport.
“(Adopting a fifth season of competition) gives us another opportunity to help student-athletes reach their goals,” said David Moe, Dakota State head women’s basketball coach. “An additional year can provide valuable time to grow both on the court and in the classroom. DSU’s graduate programs also give student-athletes the chance to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees. We’re glad they have another path to pursue their academic and athletic ambitions.”
For Postma, those opportunities are central to DSU’s support for the measure.
“When a change creates more possibilities for our students, we have to take that seriously,” Postma said. “We believe this gives student-athletes another meaningful opportunity to make the most of their time at Dakota State, both academically and athletically. That is why we supported it.”
The new rule is available to students who began the 2026-27 academic year with eligibility remaining and have sufficient terms of attendance available. It does not restore eligibility for student-athletes who exhausted their four seasons before the 2026-27 academic year.
About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small college athletics programs dedicated to character-driven, education-based athletics. Since 1937, the NAIA has balanced high-level competition with holistic student-athlete development through its commitment to The Right Way to Play®. Each year, more than 89,000 NAIA student-athletes compete in college athletics, earn over $1.3 billion in financial aid, and pursue opportunities to participate in 31 national championships.