Quick note: Hello from the land of Nika Mühl — Croatia. Normal coverage will resume next week when I return home.

On Tuesday, the NCAA approved sweeping changes to its eligibility rules, allowing athletes to play five seasons over a five-year span. That clock begins when they enroll full-time or in the first academic year after their 19th birthday, whichever comes first.

Previously, athletes had five years to complete four seasons — in theory, at least. The NCAA gave everyone who dealt with the Covid-impacted 2020-21 campaign a bonus fifth season of eligibility while many went beyond the five-year limit thanks to redshirts, injuries, waivers and court rulings.

The hope is that the new model will be simpler for all involved. Going forward, eligibility can only be extended by religious missions, maternity leave or active-duty military service.

For current athletes (including incoming freshmen) they can use the new model or old model — whichever benefits them most. It will apply to all new players beginning in 2027-28.

For the second straight season, UConn will play an early-season exhibition. On Monday, Oct. 19, the Huskies will host Texas, though the school only specified that the game will take place “in Connecticut”. The venue, tip-time and broadcast information will be released later.

Last October, UConn took on Boston College in an exhibition at Mohegan Sun Arena in a double-header with both men’s programs.

Texas reached the Final Four in each of the last two seasons but fell in the national semifinal both times. The Huskies are 10-1 all-time against the Longhorns, though Vic Schaefer’s squad claimed the last matchup — an 80-68 victory back on Dec. 3, 2023 in Austin.

After announcing she’d leave UConn’s coaching staff to pursue new opportunities, Jamelle Elliott spoke to the media about her decision last week. She explained that the move had been a long time coming — it nearly happened after the Huskies won the national championship in 2025 — and discussed what’s next.

“It's not like I've decided to walk away now. It was just something that was pulling me somewhere else right now,” she said. “When something's in your spirit and making you feel like you want to impact in a different way, you have to feel, you have to listen to yourself.”

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Two-sport athlete:

UConn gives back:

Azzi Fudd’s WNBA banner has officially been added to the Werth Champions Center:

A handful of UConn players are expected to speak to the media sometime next week. Keep an eye out for coverage.