[Goose]

But it seems like it makes a good balance between continuity and renewal, and that automatic five years might further encourage transferring as players get antsy or feel like they are buried in the depth chart.

BC

It means fewer people get to play. A really good player can occupy a "slot" for five years, not the previous four. Even "good" players that would have started in year "N" when the incumbent left  now starts in year "N+1". Anybody who is admitted will be competing with a player pool that is potentially 125% the size of the one under the current system for the same number of starting spots and spots on the teams.

In general, I don't think it will help Stanford much. Once a player is eligible to receive a degree, the most prudent course is to get the degree and grad transfer someplace for your last year of eligibility.  If you can get into a Stanford grad program maybe you stay around, if you want to do so. Many people will want to try somewhere else. I seriously doubt it will create a group of players that stay around 5 years to get an undergraduate degree. These days, with AP credits and teams staying around for summer quarter 3 years is becoming somewhat common. They will play 5 years alright, but only 4 (or less) at Stanford.

[Goose]

But it seems like it makes a good balance between continuity and renewal, and that automatic five years might further encourage transferring as players get antsy or feel like they are buried in the depth chart.

BC

It means fewer people get to play. A really good player can occupy a "slot" for five years, not the previous four. Even "good" players that would have started in year "N" when the incumbent left  now starts in year "N+1". Anybody who is admitted will be competing with a player pool that is potentially 125% the size of the one under the current system for the same number of starting spots and spots on the teams.

In general, I don't think it will help Stanford much. Once a player is eligible to receive a degree, the most prudent course is to get the degree and grad transfer someplace for your last year of eligibility.  If you can get into a Stanford grad program maybe you stay around, if you want to do so. Many people will want to try somewhere else. I seriously doubt it will create a group of players that stay around 5 years to get an undergraduate degree. These days, with AP credits and teams staying around for summer quarter 3 years is becoming somewhat common. They will play 5 years alright, but only 4 (or less) at Stanford.