WorldAugust 4, 2026

redshirting

RED-shurt-ing

Definition

The practice of extending a college athlete's period of eligibility by holding them out of competition for a year, typically for training or recovery purposes.

Etymology

The term originated in the mid-20th century, derived from the red jerseys players would wear during practice to signify they were not participating in games, thus visually distinguishing them from the active team.

In the news

The article describes the NCAA's new ruling that effectively eliminates redshirting for the class of 2022. This shift allows players like Stephen Daley to return for additional seasons without the need for the standard redshirt year.

Stephen Daley returning to Indiana football after preliminary injunction

Read the full article ↗

USA Today

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.