<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 it mean to get redshirted in football
what does it mean to get redshirted in football
delay or suspension of an athlete 's participation to lengthen his or her period of eligibility
delay or suspension of an athlete 's participation to lengthen his or her period of eligibility