That change has altered the nature of competition across the Big Sky this preseason — largely, players and coaches said, for the better. AdvertisementAdvertisement Advertisement"I think the five-for-five (rule) is great for college football," Idaho State fifth-year quarterback Jordan Cooke said in July at the Big Sky football kickoff weekend. He played nine games in 2024 — his fourth playing college football — and came back for the 2025 season thanks to the redshirt rule. AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementUnder the new system, Dotson wouldn't be allowed to apply for such a waiver. "It's a big, big, awesome deal for us (EWU) coaches and coaches across the country.