Alan Ali from Timber Creek High School was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 3-star grade by 247 Sports. Following high school, Ali opted to join SMU.

In 2018 as a freshman Ali saw action in 10 games and played a total of 617 snaps for the Mustangs. He allowed a solid 6 QB hurries, no QB hits, and 2 sacks while playing most of his snaps at left guard.

As a sophomore in 2019 he played in 13 games and a total of 1051 snaps. He conceded 11 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and no sacks while playing at center.

In 2020 as a junior Ali saw action in 10 games and totaled 767 snaps. He gave up a solid 7 QB hurries, no QB hits, and no sacks while playing most of his snaps at center.

In 2021 as a senior Ali saw action in 10 games and played a total of 627 snaps for the Mustangs. He allowed a solid 8 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and no sacks while playing the majority of his snaps at center, and the rest at left tackle.

After season's end Ali transferred to TCU where as a fifth year senior Ali saw action in 13 games and played a total of 895 snaps for the Horned Frogs. He allowed 12 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and 2 sacks while playing at center.