BREAKING NEWS: Victory for the Cards – NCAA Grants Eligibility to Louisville Cardinals Center Aly Khalifa After Successful Appeal

In a major win for the Louisville Cardinals basketball program, the NCAA has officially granted eligibility to standout center Aly Khalifa for the 2025–26 season following a successful appeal. The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding Khalifa’s playing status and marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the team.

The appeal, spearheaded by Louisville’s compliance department and legal team, centered around complex eligibility rules that initially sidelined Khalifa for the upcoming season. While the NCAA did not disclose the specific reasons for the initial ineligibility, sources close to the situation indicated that it was related to transfer and academic credit issues stemming from Khalifa’s move from BYU to Louisville.

Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey, who has been vocal in his support of Khalifa throughout the process, expressed both relief and excitement in a statement following the decision.

“This is a tremendous moment for Aly and our entire program,” Kelsey said. “He’s worked incredibly hard on and off the court, and he’s earned this opportunity. We’re grateful to the NCAA for taking a closer look at his case and ultimately making the right decision.”

Khalifa, a 6-foot-11 native of Alexandria, Egypt, brings a unique skill set to the Cardinals. Known for his high basketball IQ, elite passing ability, and stretch shooting, Khalifa is expected to play a central role in the team’s frontcourt strategy. His return could be the missing piece Louisville needs to make a significant leap in the ACC next season.

Fans also welcomed the news with open arms, flooding social media with messages of support and excitement. Khalifa himself took to X (formerly Twitter), saying, “All glory to God. I’m back, and I can’t wait to suit up in front of Card Nation!”

The reinstatement could not have come at a more crucial time for Louisville. After a challenging 2024–25 season filled with rebuilding and roster changes under Kelsey’s leadership, the Cardinals are poised to return to national relevance. With Khalifa anchoring the paint, the team will have a veteran presence to complement a promising mix of incoming freshmen and transfer talent.

Beyond the on-court implications, Khalifa’s eligibility win underscores the importance of due process and athlete advocacy in modern college athletics. As transfer rules and NIL policies continue to evolve, cases like Khalifa’s highlight the need for flexibility and fairness in evaluating each student-athlete’s unique journey.

With this decision behind them, the Cardinals can now fully focus on preparing for a season filled with heightened expectations. The return of Aly Khalifa doesn’t just bolster Louisville’s lineup—it sends a message that the Cardinals are ready to compete at the highest level once again.

One thing is now certain: Aly Khalifa will be suiting up in red and black, and Louisville fans have plenty to look forward to in the 2025–26 campaign.