Will Stein is open to adding newly eligible 5th-year players

Kentucky linebacker Alex Afari Jr. (3), defensive back Quay'Sheed Scott (12) and defensive back Cam Dooley (18) celebrate a second-half stop during UK's 10-3 win against Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (Brian Simms/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Kentucky Football could benefit from a recent court ruling that may grant an additional year of eligibility to some athletes from the high school class of 2022.

After the NCAA adopted the “5-for-5” rule, allowing student-athletes five years to compete over a five-year period, many players from the class of 2022 have sought another season of eligibility to continue playing and capitalize on NIL opportunities.

Recently, Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado granted a preliminary injunction that could allow members of the high school class of 2022 to receive an additional year of eligibility.

The ruling has created uncertainty across college athletics as programs evaluate how it could impact their rosters. Kentucky Basketball is still looking to fill its final roster spot, while the football program continues exploring ways to improve ahead of the 2026 season.

Speaking during Kentucky Football Media Day on Monday, head coach Will Stein said he would be open to adding eligible players if the opportunity presents itself.

“For sure. If we can make it work and we can stay within our roster limits and all that stuff, I will do whatever I can to make sure that we are playing our best football on Saturday. There are some steps still that we’re sorting out and figuring out, and it’s, like, daily new information.”

One player who could potentially return is former Kentucky linebacker Alex Afari Jr.

According to Pete Nakos of On3 , Afari is exploring the possibility of returning to college football for a fifth season.

Afari participated in the Green Bay Packers rookie minicamp as a tryout player back in May, but he was not signed to a contract.

Under Judge Sweeney’s ruling, players who did not enter the transfer portal would not be eligible to transfer elsewhere unless the ruling is further challenged. However, they could return to the school they most recently attended, meaning Afari could potentially rejoin the Wildcats.

Although Stein said he has not yet spoken with Afari, he acknowledged he would explore the possibility if it helps improve the Wildcats’ roster.

“I have not (spoken to Afari), but there’s gonna be a group of guys that were here last year that, if this actually happens, if I can enhance the roster and make us better, I’m gonna do it. I am,” Stein stated. “It’s not as easy as, like, yep. Do it. There’s a process, because what I don’t want to do is look up and you’re playing an ineligible player and there’s stuff like that that can happen.

“So, I think we’re still figuring everything out. And the good thing about our people in this administration and the people above me. They’re in the same boat. If it’s going to make us better to win football games and they’re good people, I’ll do it.”

If he is ultimately granted another year of eligibility and returns to Lexington, Afari would provide an immediate boost to Kentucky’s defense ahead of the 2026 season.

Will Stein is asked about the new 5-in-5 ruling. He says no matter what, he is always looking to improve the roster. pic.twitter.com/glmtQ73f9z

— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) August 3, 2026

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