Josh

Ali

Both wide receivers were in a car accident over the holiday break. Neither suffered a serious injury, but both will be unable to suit up for the Citrus Bowl. Ali (6'0"/193) has been the distant second receiver behind Wan’Dale Robinson, but he’s made a big impact on games with his elite speed and big play ability. Three of his four touchdowns this season have been on 50+ yarders, and as seen in the Big Ten Championship Iowa is not immune to giving up the big play. His presence will no doubt be missed. The next men up are DeMarcus Harris and Chauncey Magwood.

Ali (6'0"/193) doesn’t get involved very often, but when he does he makes a big impact with his game-breaking speed. He’s up to four touchdowns on the season, and three of those were on 50+ yard plays. His 62-yarder today was mostly him, as Levis delivered a 20 or so yard pass to Ali, who caught it, broke the first tackle and froze the other defender with a quick cut, letting him run it the last 40 yards to score. His other score was on screen that he took untouched to the sideline. Ali and Wan’Dale Robinson form a scary playmaking duo, and Kentucky should definitely try to get the ball in Ali’s hands more the rest of the year. Ali’s big days were two months apart, but hopefully he won’t be waiting that long as the Wildcats take on Louisville next week.

That punt return was equal to a third of Kentucky’s offense, which tells you how much they struggled. Ali’s (6'0"/193) punt return was well worked. He started on the right side, advanced up the field, shaking a defender out of his shoes on the way to the left sideline where he met with a contingent of Kentucky blockers that escorted him all the way to the end zone. It was pretty much the only exciting play the Wildcats managed on the day (a Will Levis under hand toss wasn’t bad either) in a pretty dismal performance. Kentucky will need many more plays like this one as they take on Tennessee next week.

Ali (6'0/193) has missed Kentucky’s last two games due to injury, but it appears that he’s ready to make a return. The senior wide receiver gives the Wildcats another talented option at wide receiver, to help keep opposing defenses from devoting too much attention to Wan’Dale Robinson. Kentucky will be as healthy as it has been at wide receiver in quite some time, as Izayah Cummings (undisclosed) is also dressed out.

Ali (6'0/193) last played in Week 5 against Florida, and has 17 receptions for 248 yards and one touchdown on the season. His biggest game of the season came in Week 1 against Louisiana-Monroe, where he went for 5/136/1 on a season-high eight targets. After his big game against ULM, Ali hasn’t gone for more than 53 yards in any game, and has only scored one touchdown.

Ali (6'0/193) broke out with five catches, 136 yards and one touchdown performance in Week 1 against ULM. He saw a steady stream of targets over the next three games, and even received three carries as new OC Liam Cohen heavily integrated Ali into UK’s offensive gameplan. However he was injured on his first reception against Florida on October 2 and has yet to return to the field since then. With Kentucky on a bye this week, Ali will have extra time to get healthy and should be ready to suit up for their showdown against Mississippi State on October 30.

Ali (6'0/193) was considered to be doubtful for Saturday’s showdown, so it comes as no surprise that he won’t be available. The senior, who also missed last weekend’s win over LSU, has caught 17 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown. Ali’s absence leaves Kentucky with just one receiver that has reached double figures in receptions this season Wan’Dale Robinson (37-527-4).

Ali (6'0/193) had a breakout Week 1 showing against ULM, catching 5-of-8 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. His strong showing had the Wildcats’ faithful excited about the prospect of UK opening up their run-based approach, but Ali has broken the 30-yard barrier just once since then. On the year, he has reeled in 17-of-25 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown as Wandale Robinson has taken over the lion’s share of targets for UK.

Ali (6'0/193) is on pace for a career year in 2021, having already registered 17 receptions for 248 yards and one touchdown for the Wildcats. Per Pro Football Focus, Ali is second on the wildcats in receiving, and leads all receivers in snaps played through the first five weeks.

Ali (6'0/190) will appear next week to face allegations of leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aid and driving without insurance. In a citation filed on March 9, Ali told Lexington police that he was “falling asleep” when he rear ended another vehicle. He is also facing a lawsuit from Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company to recover damages paid to a person he hit in the February 12 accident. A University of Kentucky athletic spokesperson said UK “have been aware of the matter and it has been addressed.” Kentucky faces Chattanooga this Saturday.