Alabama softball is planning to embrace the future of a new reality brought by the NCAA.
The NCAA adopted a new age-based eligibility model in June 2026, replacing the previous standard of four playing seasons within a five-year window. Under the new rules, qualifying athletes can compete for up to five years, with current players who had eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 academic year eligible to use whichever system is more beneficial.
The changes could give Alabama's current seniors an opportunity to return for the 2028 season after completing their fourth year this upcoming spring of 2027.
"When we had our one-on-ones at the beginning of the year, I had a conversation with everybody, and (asked) if the situation were to occur, would you want to come back for a fifth year," coach Patrick Murphy told The Tuscaloosa News. "Almost everybody was unanimous."
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Alabama's Team 31 squad has four seniors leading the pack: SEC Pitcher of the Year Jocelyn Briski, Jena Young at second base, shortstop Salen Hawkins and outfielder Lauren Johnson. All four began their college careers in 2024, meaning the 2027 season would have marked their final year under the previous four-season eligibility structure. The new rules potentially allow them to remain in college softball through 2028, pending individual eligibility certification and, of course, their decisions to return.
Jocelyn Briski would be one of Alabama's most significant potential fifth-year returnees. The righty earned NFCA First-Team All-America honors in 2026 for her 1.41 ERA and 220 strikeouts through 179 innings pitched.
Jena Young could extend her Alabama career to three seasons after transferring from Iowa ahead of 2026. She hit .344 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs in her first season with the Crimson Tide and earned Women's College World Series All-Tournament honors.
Salen Hawkins, who transferred from Mississippi State before the 2025 season, could play a fourth season at Alabama in 2028. She batted .287 with four home runs and 31 RBIs in 2026, but she is even more of an asset as a fielder.
Lauren Johnson is the only member of Alabama's current senior class who has spent her entire college career with the Crimson Tide. The outfielder recorded three home runs and 15 RBIs last season.
Keeping even a portion of the senior class in 2028 could change Alabama's approach to recruiting and the transfer portal. Briski's return would cement her spot at the top of the pitching rotation, and Young, Hawkins and Johnson could preserve experience across the infield and outfield. Alabama retained all of its eligible returning roster following the 2026 Women's College World Seres semifinal showing, adding three transfers and six freshmen.
This also brings about an unprecedented equation for Alabama softball. With this new year, the effect goes all the way down to high school recruiting. For example, Alabama softball has a roster of 21 players. With the NCAA roster cap of 25, if each senior were to return for another year, that may lead to smaller incoming classes of transfers or even freshmen.
Amelia Hurley covers high school and college sports for The Tuscaloosa News. You can find her on X at ameliahurley_ or reach her at ahurley@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Patrick Murphy confirms Alabama softball plans for NCAA five-in-five eligibility