<P> Redshirt , in United States college athletics , is a delay or suspension of an athlete 's participation to lengthen his or her period of eligibility . Typically , a student 's athletic eligibility in a given sport is four seasons , like the four years of academic classes typically required to earn a bachelor 's degree at an American college or university . However , in a redshirt year , student athletes may attend classes at the college or university , practice with an athletic team , and `` suit up '' ( wear a team uniform ) for play -- but they may not compete in games . Using this mechanism , a student athlete has at most five academic years to use the four years of eligibility , thus becoming what is termed a fifth - year senior . </P>
<P> Redshirt , in United States college athletics , is a delay or suspension of an athlete 's participation to lengthen his or her period of eligibility . Typically , a student 's athletic eligibility in a given sport is four seasons , like the four years of academic classes typically required to earn a bachelor 's degree at an American college or university . However , in a redshirt year , student athletes may attend classes at the college or university , practice with an athletic team , and `` suit up '' ( wear a team uniform ) for play -- but they may not compete in games . Using this mechanism , a student athlete has at most five academic years to use the four years of eligibility , thus becoming what is termed a fifth - year senior . </P>
what does red shirt mean in college football
what does red shirt mean in college football
a delay or suspension of an athlete 's participation to lengthen his or her period of eligibility
a delay or suspension of an athlete 's participation to lengthen his or her period of eligibility