Kentucky senior linebacker Alex Afari Jr. was named to the Butkus Award watch list on Wednesday.
Afari has totaled 132 career tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries and 2 pass breakups in three seasons as a Wildcat.
Here is a press release from UK Athletics:
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Alex Afari Jr. has been named to the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s top linebacker. The 41st annual award is named for famed linebacker Dick Butkus, a Hall of Famer known as one of the most feared defenders in football history.
Afari, a senior inside linebacker from Cincinnati, has totaled 132 career tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries and two pass breakups in three seasons as a Wildcat.
He ranked third on the team in total tackles as a junior with 62 and led the team in tackles for loss with 11.0. He posted a career-high 10 tackles at Tennessee and vs. Louisville.
Afari, a member of the Southeastern Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll and UK Dean’s List, is on track to graduate in the Spring of 2026 with a degree in communication.
He was also named to the preseason All-SEC teams by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
Award semi-finalists will be named November 4, finalists November 25, and the winner revealed by December 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium in early 2026.
Kentucky opens its 2025 football season on Saturday, Aug. 30 in Kroger Field vs. Toledo. The Rockets will be the first of seven home games. Those interested in buying tickets can take advantage of the overall value on season-ticket packages starting at $300.
Fans looking to buy tickets for the biggest games in the best seat locations, while avoiding markups on secondary market pricing, can request a call or contact the UK Sales Office directly at (800) 928-2287 (Option 1) or send an email to [email protected] for more information.
Mini-pack tickets for the 2025 football season are now available through UKFootballTix.com. Fans can choose three-game packages starting at $131 per ticket package. Prices vary based on opponent and seat location.
Fans can choose three-game and four-game packages.
Three-game (Starting at $131)
Choose one game between the Ole Miss and Florida games
Choose two games between Toledo, EMU, Tennessee Tech
Four-Game (Starting at $201)
Includes both of the Ole Miss and Florida games
Choose two games between Toledo, EMU, Tennessee Tech
Single-Game Tickets
Based on availability, tickets for single games will go on sale to the public later this summer. Verified resale tickets are available now for all home games through the UK Athletics Official Marketplace powered by Ticketmaster.
Current football season ticket holders will have a presale opportunity for any remaining single-game tickets, pending availability. Season ticket holders will receive more information by email.
Group ticket information is now available directly through the UK Sales Office by calling (800) 928-2287 (Option 1) or reaching out via email at [email protected]. To learn more about ticket options starting at just $26 for groups of 15 or more, visit UKathletics.com/Groups.
Away Game Tickets
Fans may also request tickets for Kentucky football’s road games at South Carolina, Georgia, Auburn, Vanderbilt and Louisville. Seat locations within the UK allotment will be assigned later this summer according to K Fund priority ranking, and football season ticket holders who order by June 27 will have priority in the assignment process.
Tailgate Options
UK Athletics and REVELxp have teamed up once again this year to offer turnkey, hassle-free tailgating for Kentucky football fans! All tailgates are located steps away from Kroger Field and offer a variety of package offerings to accommodate all groups. To learn more about tailgate packages, click here.
