News Summary
WKU Football has announced the signing of defensive back Al-Ma’hi Ali, enhancing their roster ahead of the upcoming season. Ali, a standout from Charlotte, has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities with impressive performance statistics. He is set to join 59 newcomers on the team for the season opener against Sam Houston. Alongside athletic growth, WKU also boasts significant academic achievements among its athletes, highlighting the university’s commitment to excellence in both sports and academics.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – WKU Football Signs Defensive Back Al-Ma’hi Ali Ahead of 2025 Season
WKU Football officially announced the signing of defensive back Al-Ma’hi Ali on June 12, 2025, adding a talented player to their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. Ali joins the Hilltoppers after spending two successful seasons at Charlotte, where he demonstrated strong defensive skills and a knack for making big plays.
Ali’s Performance at Charlotte
During his time at Charlotte, Ali played in a total of 18 games. He recorded impressive statistics that include 73 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 passes defended. His final season in 2024 saw him starting in all 12 games, where he achieved 51 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and contribute in crucial moments was evident throughout his stint at Charlotte.
Early Career
Before joining Charlotte, Ali showcased his talent at Saint Francis, where he played in 10 games and made 38 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks. He also displayed his ability in the secondary, recording two interceptions, five pass breakups, and two blocked kicks. His impressive performances at both institutions positioned him as a notable recruit, earning him a three-star rating from both 247Sports and ESPN.
Upcoming Season Schedule
The WKU Hilltoppers are set to kick off the 2025 season with a Week 0 CUSA game against Sam Houston on August 23, 2025. The game will take place at Houchens-Smith Stadium, commencing at 6 p.m. CT, and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. This event marks the beginning of what hopes to be a successful season for the Hilltoppers.
Roster Updates
With Ali’s signing, the WKU Football roster will feature a total of 59 newcomers for the 2025 season. This influx of new talent reflects the program’s commitment to building a competitive team capable of competing at a high level.
Academic Achievements
In addition to athletic developments, WKU student-athletes achieved significant academic milestones during the 2024-25 academic year. They collectively recorded a groundbreaking 3.26 cumulative GPA, with all 14 of its sports programs maintaining a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. Remarkably, seven programs exceeded an average GPA of 3.5, indicating a strong balance between academics and athletics.
Honors and Recognition
A record-breaking 304 student-athletes were named to the 2024 CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll, while 86 received the prestigious CUSA Commissioner’s Academic Medal. This speaks volumes about the dedication of WKU athletes to their academic responsibilities.
Graduation Success Rate
WKU’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) reached an impressive 90%, marking the highest level recorded in the program’s history. This achievement highlights the university’s focus on fostering both academic excellence and athletic performance, as 87 student-athletes graduated during the 2024-25 academic year.
Looking Ahead
As the preparation for the upcoming season continues, specific details regarding WKU Football’s Hall of Fame candidates will be announced in early 2026. The focus now remains on integrating new players, such as Al-Ma’hi Ali, and enhancing team dynamics to secure a successful season ahead.
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Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: Al-Ma’hi Ali Signs with Hilltoppers
- Bowling Green Daily News: WKU Athletics Updates
- WKU Sports: 2025 Football Game Times Announced
- Google Search: WKU Football 2025
- WKU Sports: Hall of Fame Ballot Announcement
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
