AJ Haulcy will practice and prepare to play against Clemson on Saturday, but won’t be able to play until the second half.

During Thursday’s press conference, head coach Brian Kelly announced he received the news that Haulcy may not be able to play in the first half of the season opener due to his involvement in a fight last year during his time at Houston.

“We’re waiting for information,” Kelly said. “Once we get it, we’ll adjust accordingly and be ready to play Clemson.”

Not long after, the NCAA confirmed the suspension.

The fight happened in the final game of the regular season against BYU with less than three minutes remaining.

Under the NCAA rules, any player who was ejected for fighting during the final game of the season has to serve a first-half suspension in the first game of the following season. Since Houston did not play in a bowl game, Haulcy’s next game would be against Clemson.

Haulcy was one of this year’s top defensive transfers in the portal and already solidified himself as a starting-caliber safety for the Tigers.

In Haulcy’s absence, Kelly pointed to players such as Jardin Gilbert, Dashawn Spears and Javien Toviano who could potentially see the field.