redshirt

noun

red·​shirt ˈred-ˌshərt 

: a college athlete who is kept out of varsity competition for a year in order to extend eligibility

redshirt verb

Examples of redshirt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gophers offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh said two young offensive lineman — redshirt freshman Brett Carroll and true freshman Kaveon Lee — were playing with the first unit during a bowl practices. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 22 Dec. 2025

The Horned Frogs will prioritize bringing in a quarterback who has starting experience and one who could lead next year’s quarterback room that will only feature redshirt freshman Adam Schobel and true freshman Jack Daulton. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Dec. 2025

Wyatt Bower, a redshirt freshman, and Chase Carter, a sophomore, have both seen extensive action. —Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 19 Dec. 2025

McComb, a redshirt freshman, was expected to compete with Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall for the starting job this coming spring. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from the red jersey commonly worn by such a player in practice scrimmages against the regulars

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for redshirt

• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert
• inert
• insert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt