Arik Gilbert transfer portal: Top 5 landing spots for former Nebraska TE ft. Auburn
It might sound familiar, but Arik Gilbert is in the transfer portal. Yes, the former LSU/Georgia/Nebraska tight end is apparently on the move again. Gilbert last played in a game in 2022, so this is an odd situation, to say the least. Still, five-star TE prospects don't exactly grow on trees.
Gilbert started at LSU, where he had a brilliant season in 2020, catching 35 passes for 368 yards in eight games before opting out early at the end of the season. Gilbert then transferred to Georgia. He sat out a year and then caught two passes in three games in 2022, his last college football action.
Gilbert transferred to Nebraska but was hit with off-field criminal charges, which kept him sidelined with the Huskers. Now, he's apparently back on the market again. Given the fact that his high school class included Bryce Young, Will Anderson and Jalen Carter, it'll be interesting to see who nabs Gilbert. Here are a few possibilities.
Arik Gilbert: 5 transfer portal landing spots
#5. None
Frankly, there's more than a slight reason to think this ends up being the situation. Gilbert, for all of his talent, has been unfocused and has consistently struggled to stay out of trouble. His eligibility situation will be complicated as well, and he'll likely need a waiver to play anywhere in 2025. It could be that Gilbert is simply out of chances at this point.
#4. Florida State
FSU is a program that could roll the dice. Coming off a 2-10 season, anything that gets the Seminoles out of the doldrums might look attractive. Gilbert has elite talent, and if he can stay on the field, he can be an immediate contributor. ACC defenses would be vastly unprepared for his combination of size and speed. However, the "if" in that previous sentence might be the most important part.
#3. Mississippi State
The Bulldogs are another program that might well be willing to take a bold shot with Gilbert. Off their own 2-10 season, coach Jeff Lebby needs some instant offense. QB Michael Van Buren has an impressive skill set, and Gilbert could be a significant weapon for the Bulldog offense. Again, the on-field stuff is the least of the considerations, but State might feel up for a challenge.
#2. Georgia Southern
Probably the wisest scenario for Gilbert is to get away from bright lights and bad influences. Southern was a program that recruited him out of high school, and stashing him somewhere quietly while he cleans up his act could work for all concerned. The 8-4 Eagles' top two tight ends were both seniors, so there's certainly some on-field wisdom in the move.
#1. Auburn
Finally, Auburn could work out for Gilbert. Coach Hugh Freeze can certainly hold forth on the merits of second chances and could envelop Gilbert in the Tiger culture. Meanwhile, somebody who improves on Auburn's 6-7 and 5-7 runs would be a step in the right direction. If Gilbert wants one more shot at the SEC, Auburn would make a high degree of sense as a destination.
What do you think of Arik Gilbert's portal possibilities? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!