In the high-stakes world of collegiate wrestling, young athletes often face a dilemma: jump into competition right away or take a strategic “redshirt year” to develop their skills without burning eligibility. It’s a system that has shaped countless champions, and now, the NCAA wants to extend it to more sports. But not everyone is convinced this is the right move.

Should this rule change happen, or is the NCAA overstepping?

Penn State alum Tim Flynn has sealed himself as a strategic mastermind as a wrestling coach with over decades of experience. In his seven years at West Virginia, 24 Mountaineers have qualified for the NCAA D1 Championships, while 6 have bagged All-America honors. Naturally, one would presume Flynn knows what he’s talking about when it comes to him being skeptical about the NCAA’s proposed changes in the redshirt regulations.

Wrestling coach isn’t one of the more hopeful fans of the NCAA’s imminent changes

In an X post by Athletor Team from February 20, Flynn could be heard talking about how the new rules can undermine the athletes’ true skills on the mat. On being asked if he thought that junior college would once again become popular thanks to the NCAA’s eligibility regulation changes, the veteran wrestling coach said, “You know, now that that year won’t count,” hinting that the possibility cannot be ruled away entirely.

“These rules change so quickly. Now, maybe a kid’s going to go to junior college a year or two, won’t use eligibility, and now will go to your school almost like a red shirt,” Flynn said, with frustration almost making him lose his speech. “There are so many loopholes,” the wrestling coach grunted, noting how the rule change could potentially pit a much older athlete against a younger one.

“I don’t wanna get in trouble, but I am not into Olympic red shirt, I’m not into gray shirt. ‘I went on a mission’, well that’s your choice.” Tim made it clear that the wrestlers always have the option to pursue what they want and underscored that it shouldn’t be affecting the athlete’s tenure in the NCAA by any means. While it’s understandable that it was the thought of allowing the stars to explore more paths before finishing their collegiate careers that prompted the NCAA to rethink its eligibility rules, it’s also true that the norm has created a lot of controversial moments over the years.

The reasons for skepticism are plenty

One of the most notable examples could be that of Olympic gold medalist Gable Stevenson. The Minnesota wrestler took a significantly long break from college, spanning almost two years, to pursue his Olympic quest. After that, Stevenson also dabbled his hands in WWE and UFC before returning to the Gophers roster last year. While Stevenson finished his final collegiate year with a pristine undefeated streak, one should also remember that both of his final two regular-season victories came against redshirt freshmen.

For obvious reasons, many fans were reluctant to hail Gable as the greatest NCAA wrestler of all time. For most, Penn State head coach and ex-Iowa State wrestler Cael Sanderson remains the true GOAT thanks to his astounding 159-0 record during his time as a Cyclone. But Stevenson isn’t the only wrestler who seems to make Tim Flynn fear that the redshirt eligibility rule would make a much younger wrestling star go against a more experienced one simply based on technicality.

As a Cowboys star, AJ Ferrari became only the third wrestler in program history to win the NCAA title as a true freshman. However, midway through the 2021-22 season, Ferrari got involved in a horrific car crash, putting a halt to his NCAA career. Subsequent troubles in his personal life also delayed his return, until AJ joined the Cal State Bakersfield roster in 2024.

Remembering these, do you think Flynn is right to be worried about the NCAA looking to extend its redshirt eligibility beyond collegiate football and wrestling? Weigh in on the debate with a comment!