From DII to the FCS to the FBS? That’s the collegiate career arc JaVonnie Gibson hopes to achieve after announcing his decision to enter the transfer portal this offseason.
Where Will JaVonnie Gibson Transfer?
Gibson was the first Division 1 WR to reach 1,000 yards this season, finishing with 1,215 and nine touchdowns on 70 receptions.
Opelousas, Louisiana, native is a massive size/speed threat at a listed 6’3″ and 205 pounds. Arkansas Pine-Bluff force-fed him the ball, resulting in a few more drops than you’d like, but he still moved the chains (TDs and first downs) and 50 of his 70 catches.
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His 14.0 average depth of target highlights his ability to stretch the field, as does his 17.3 yards per reception. Gibson transferred to UAPB following two years at DII Arkansas at Monticello, where he caught 28 passes for 403 yards and four TDs.
The versatile wideout has two years of eligibility remaining, and he hopes to spend them at the FBS level.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Sam Pittman has already dipped into the “lower-level, big-play” pass catcher well by snatching Andrew Armstrong from Texas A&M-Commerce last offseason.
The 6’4″, 202-pounder morphed into the Arkansas Razorbacks’ WR1, so why not take another flyer on Gibson?
Louisiana Monroe Warhawks
UAPB head coach Anthony Hampton and offensive coordinator Tony Hull have multi-year ties to the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks, and the program is on the rise under the vision of head coach Bryant Vincent. Their 5-7 record in 2024 is the best since 2019, and Gibson could add fuel to the fire, especially since the passing attack largely underperformed.
Of course, that’s not the most promising option from Gibson’s perspective, but ULM might be his best option for playing in his home state (unless the LSU Tigers show interest).
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby is an offensive guru, and Year 2 of his Starksville tenure should be far better than his first (2-10).
While true freshman QB Michael Van Buren Jr. flashed his tools following Blake Shapen’s season-ending injury, he needs help on the outside, as Kevin Coleman Jr. saw nearly half of the team’s total targets (102 to 220).
Nevada Wolf Pack
This one is pure speculation.
The Nevada Wolf Pack’s WRs/QBs coach, interim WRs coach, offensive GA (WRs), and on-campus recruiting coordinator follow Gibson on social media — that’s four offensive coaches, far more than any other program currently.
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Now, that may mean nothing, but it also could mean something, so why not take the plunge? Plus, the Wolf Pack offers Gibson an easier path to playing time in the FBS and flashed their offensive prowess several times in 2024.
Colorado Buffaloes
We all know Deion Sanders’ HBCU and transfer portal history — combine the two, and what do you get? Gibson landing in Boulder.
With Travis Hunter, Will Sheppard, and LaJohntay Webster likely out of town, the Colorado Buffaloes will need reinforcements on the outside for whoever will take the reigns from Shedeur Sanders under center.
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