In this era of college football, the impact of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season continues to reverberate, with players now extending their college careers well into their mid-20s. The additional year of eligibility granted to every player due to the pandemic has resulted in a significant number of athletes entering their sixth, seventh, or even ninth year of college football.

Oklahoma State quarterback Alan Bowman, who is entering his seventh year of college football, reflects on the stark reality of his longevity in the game. Recalling his freshman days at Texas Tech, Bowman acknowledges that his current freshman teammates were just in seventh grade at that time. Bowman's situation, however, is not unique. Across the country, hundreds of Bowl Subdivision players find themselves in their sixth season of eligibility, while dozens have surpassed their seventh year or even further.

Notably, Miami tight end Cam McCormick stands out as one of the longest-serving players in college football, entering his ninth season of eligibility at the age of 26. The presence of such experienced players has become a common sight on football rosters. Markdowning their own records, No. 17 Oklahoma State boasts two seventh-year players in Bowman and linebacker Justin Wright, accompanied by 14 other teammates entering their sixth season.

The trend stretches beyond Oklahoma State. Other notable teams housing multiple seventh-year players include No. 12 Utah, with quarterback Cam Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe leading the charge. No. 15 Tennessee follows suit, with offensive tackle John Campbell and linebacker Keenan Pili representing their seventh-year cohort. Rutgers, Toledo, and Utah State also join the ranks, each showcasing their own duo of seventh-year players.

The Indiana Hoosiers, in their inaugural season under new coach Curt Cignetti, have taken the concept of experience to another level. With four seventh-year players and ten sixth-year players, the Hoosiers are building a team that thrives on the wisdom and knowledge accrued over several years of college football. Amongst their ranks are DL Jacob Mangum-Farrar, who returns for another season, and RB Ty Son Lawton, RB Solomon Vanhorse, and OL Nick Kidwell, all of whom followed Coach Cignetti from James Madison.

According to Bowman, the abundance of older players on the field has had a positive impact on the quality of the game. Last season, FBS teams averaged the lowest number of penalties since 2013, with 5.83 penalties and 51.15 penalty yards per game. Bowman attributes this improvement to the experience and reduced mistakes from the older players. With a wealth of game played behind them, these athletes contribute to cleaner and crisper football.

Now 24 years old, Alan Bowman himself has witnessed the evolution of the game throughout his college career. As college football rosters continue to be filled with veterans, it is evident that players are embracing the opportunity to play an extended period of college football, showcasing their experience and love for the sport.