Just Now: Khalifa’s redshirt status finally approved extra year of eligibility

The NCAA has denied University of Louisville center Aly Khalifa’s request for an extension of his five-year eligibility clock, rendering him ineligible for the 2025–26 men’s basketball season. This decision comes after Khalifa, who redshirted the 2024–25 season due to a knee injury, sought to utilize his fourth and final season of eligibility while pursuing a master’s degree at Louisville

Khalifa’s collegiate journey began at Charlotte, where he redshirted his first year (2020–21) and played two subsequent seasons. He then transferred to BYU for the 2023–24 season before joining Louisville. Although the NCAA granted blanket waivers to all players during the 2020–21 season due to COVID-19 disruptions, Khalifa’s redshirt status that year negated the extra year of eligibility.

The NCAA’s denial is based on the program’s failure to apply for a medical hardship waiver prior to the start of the 2024–25 season. As a result, the waiver filed at the end of the season was deemed invalid, despite Khalifa being physically unable to play for most of the season.

The University of Louisville has announced plans to appeal the NCAA’s decision, believing that Khalifa has a strong case warranting an additional year. The appeal process typically takes 10–14 days to resolve.

Khalifa, a 6-foot-11 center from Egypt, has been working towards a master’s degree in sports administration at Louisville while preparing for the 2025–26 basketball season. Known for his exceptional passing ability, Khalifa has been described by head coach Pat Kelsey as “an extension of the coaching staff” and “one of the brightest basketball minds” he’s coached.

During his time at BYU, Khalifa averaged 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, with a 3.6-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking first in the Big 12 and sixth nationally among centers.

As the appeal process unfolds, the university and Khalifa remain hopeful for a favorable outcome that would allow him to contribute on the court while completing his graduate studies.