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14 hours ago
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The Louisville basketball team is entering the second year of the Pat Kelsey era — an era that has already transformed the culture and perception of the program. Kelsey is hoping for a stronger showing this season compared to last, which ended with the Cardinals earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
BYU transfer Aly Khalifa redshirted last season and didn’t play a single minute for Kelsey and the Cardinals. Initially, his appeal for an additional year of eligibility was denied by the NCAA — a confusing decision, considering he has only played three full college seasons.
That changed at the end of June, when the NCAA reversed its ruling and granted Khalifa an extra year of eligibility following Louisville’s appeal.
“University of Louisville men’s basketball student-athlete Aly Khalifa has been granted eligibility to compete in the 2025-26 academic year," the program said in a statement. "The University is grateful for the thoughtful consideration given to Aly’s circumstances through the NCAA process and we look forward to his return."
Louisville will open the season against its biggest rival — Kentucky. The matchup holds special meaning for Khalifa, as it will be his first time facing Mark Pope, his former coach at BYU.
“Obviously, playing my old coach, I'm really excited about that. It's a great rivalry, the best in college basketball in my opinion. I'm excited about this game, obviously, but the most important game for me is October 24 (vs. Kansas),” Khalifa said.
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Pope left BYU to take his dream job as head coach of Kentucky — the same program he once played for during his college days. Khalifa had been a key contributor under Pope at BYU, and he is expected to play a major role for Louisville this season.
Despite going their separate ways, there is still a strong mutual respect between Pope and Khalifa — a bond that will add another emotional layer to an already heated rivalry.
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