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

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