​The Kentucky Football team is set to have Alex Afari available when they host the Youngstown State Penguins on Saturday.On Friday, the Kentucky Court of Appeals denied the NCAA’s emergency motion to have Afari go back to being ineligible, so the fifth-year linebacker is now set to play in the Week 1 opener after recently getting a TRO vs. the NCAA.This is a massive addition for a Kentucky defense that was replacing Afari and Daveren Rayner as starting linebackers. Getting Afari back could drastically improve this unit, depending on how much practice he’s gotten in during fall camp after initially being ineligible to play for the Cats.This battle isn’t completely over, however, as the NCAA is still challenging the ruling, and the possible passage of the Protect College Sports Act could also lead to Afari being ruled ineligible at some point later this season.But for now, Afari is set to play in Week 1 against a top-10 FCS team in Youngstown State, then potentially in Week 2 against a top-15 Alabama team.The Kentucky Court of Appeals has denied the NCAA’s emergency motion paving the way for our client Alex Afari Jr. to play tomorrow.— Abe Mashni (@abemashni) September 4, 2026You want more A Sea Of Blue coverage? Then add us to your “Preferred Sources” on Google to get all the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views. And as always, Go CATS!