Arik Gilbert was once one of the biggest names in high school football. As a five-star recruit and top tight-end prospect, many believed he would be a future star. But his journey hasn’t gone as planned. He played at LSU, Georgia, and Nebraska, but each stop brought moments of hope and many struggles.
Now, he’s starting over at Savannah State, a Division II HBCU. This move could be his last shot to get his football career back on track. Can he turn this fresh start into a comeback story? Only time will tell, but the fire in him is still burning.
Arik Gilbert Joins Savannah State, Eyes Final Collegiate Season
Since the introduction of the transfer portal, it’s not unusual for athletes to transition to different schools multiple times throughout their careers. However, the changes that Arik Gilbert, the former five-star tight end, has made are striking.
His transfer to Savannah State for the 2025 season marks his fourth collegiate program. Every year, it seems he’s looking for a fresh start, but things haven’t gone as expected.
TRANSFER: Former 5⭐️Arik Gilbert is heading to Savannah State 👀
The tight end previously played at Nebraska, Georgia, and LSU pic.twitter.com/nXPJzjxSXv
— Rivals (@Rivals) April 30, 2025
The Division II tight end began his college career at LSU in 2020, where he showed his skills with 35 catches for 368 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his promising start, he left LSU before the season ended.
Next, he transferred to Georgia, where he won a national championship. However, he played only three games during the season, so his impact was essentially zero.
In 2023, Arik Gilbert moved again—this time to Nebraska. But things got worse. Off-field legal issues, including burglary arrests, kept him from playing a snap for the Cornhuskers. By late 2024, he was back in the transfer portal.
Now, at Savannah State, a Division II school, the ex-LSU standout hopes to make the most of his final season.
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Having lost his five-star status, Gilbert views this move as his final opportunity to prove himself. Savannah State, coming off a 5-5 season in 2024, is looking for leaders, which means he could step up and become an impact player for the Tigers.
If he can, there’s a high chance he’ll catch the attention of bigger programs again, or he might even earn a spot in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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