Alex Afari Jr. returns to Kentucky while awaiting decision on playing in games

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The new age of college football is bringing some familiar faces back to their college stomping grounds.

Will Stein announced during his news conference Saturday that linebacker Alex Afari Jr. is practicing with the team while awaiting a decision on his eligibility to compete in regular-season games.

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“Alex Afari has been cleared to practice with our team based on the guidance from our compliance staff and the SEC. His competition eligibility remains under review, like most of these cases. We’re waiting for further clarification before he will be permitted to play in games for us this season,” head coach Will Stein said.

Afari Jr. left Kentucky after a four-year career that saw him transition from defensive back to inside linebacker while recording 193 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.

He then pursued an NFL opportunity, going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft before participating in the Green Bay Packers' rookie minicamp.

After being released by Green Bay, Afari Jr. indicated he was considering a return to college football after a Colorado judge ruled against the NCAA in an eligibility case. The ruling allows certain 2026 graduates to receive an additional year of collegiate eligibility.

As Afari Jr.'s case continues, his participation in practice signals a potential return to the field for Kentucky ahead of the 2026 season.

“Alex has got a lot of experience. He’s a talented kid. I really like him. I got a chance to meet him when I first got here. He’s got 31 career starts. I don’t know many coordinators who would be disappointed if a guy like that was able to come back. We’re fired up about him. Hope it happens. But I feel good about the linebackers either way. Hopefully Alex comes back and gives us a little bit of a veteran presence,” defensive coordinator Jay Bateman said.

The announcement comes at a crucial time for Kentucky. Stein also announced that transfer linebacker Antonio O'Berry has been ruled ineligible by the NCAA and will be unable to play for the Wildcats this season, ending his college football career.

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