Transfer Portal News: After controversial suspensions in Alabama and Texas, tight end Amari Niblack is looking for a new home.
Transfer Portal News: Amari Niblack’s Search for a New Home After Controversial Suspensions at Alabama and Texas
Amari Niblack, a highly regarded tight end prospect, is once again making headlines, but this time it’s not for his on-field accomplishments. Instead, it’s because of his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal after a series of controversial suspensions at two of the biggest programs in college football: Alabama and Texas.
Background: A Rising Star in the Tight End Position
Amari Niblack’s journey to becoming one of the most talked-about tight ends in college football was anything but conventional. Initially, his recruitment began as many elite high school athletes’ do: with promise, hype, and recognition. A multi-sport athlete who stood out in both football and basketball, Niblack had the physical attributes that caught the attention of top-tier collegiate programs. He’s a versatile player who combines excellent size with speed, making him an attractive option as a hybrid tight end.
Niblack’s high school career was marked by impressive performances, showing off his skills as both a pass-catching tight end and a blocker. His versatility caught the eyes of major college football programs, and in a recruiting class where top prospects are often tied to certain programs based on historical dominance or individual relationships with coaches, Niblack had the rare flexibility to choose between top schools in both the SEC and Big 12.
Alabama: A Fresh Start in Tuscaloosa
In the end, Niblack committed to Alabama, one of the most prestigious football programs in the country under the legendary coach Nick Saban. His signing was seen as a major coup for the Crimson Tide, as Niblack’s skill set seemed to fit perfectly within Alabama’s balanced offensive system, which relies on physicality and versatility at the tight end position.
However, his time in Tuscaloosa started with challenges both on and off the field. Early reports out of Alabama indicated that Niblack was adjusting to the speed and physicality of the SEC, but there was also speculation that he could eventually develop into a key contributor. Alabama’s history of developing tight ends, such as O.J. Howard and Irv Smith Jr., meant that expectations for Niblack were high.
But Niblack’s time at Alabama was marred by controversy. During his sophomore year, he found himself involved in a series of off-field incidents that led to his suspension from the team. The suspensions came as a surprise to many, as Niblack had been considered a solid student-athlete up until that point. The details of the suspensions remained somewhat vague, but sources indicated that they were tied to violations of team rules rather than criminal activities. These violations were serious enough for Saban to take a hard stance and issue a suspension that removed Niblack from the team for an indefinite period.
This suspension, combined with Niblack’s relatively low profile on the field, led to growing frustration both for the player and for Alabama’s coaching staff. Some wondered if Niblack would be able to regain his place in the Crimson Tide lineup, while others speculated that the coaching staff might move forward without him in the picture entirely.
Texas: A Second Chance and More Drama
After his suspension at Alabama, Niblack found a new opportunity with the University of Texas, another high-profile program with a rich history in college football. Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has made strides in building an offense that utilizes tight ends more effectively, making it a potentially ideal landing spot for Niblack.
Niblack’s move to Texas was initially seen as a fresh start—a chance to put the controversies of his past behind him and showcase his skills on a new stage. Reports from spring camp and fall practice seemed to indicate that Niblack was performing well, showing flashes of the promise he exhibited in high school. Texas had a need for a dynamic tight end who could contribute as both a receiver and a blocker, and Niblack fit that mold.
However, history repeated itself when, after a series of disciplinary issues and off-field concerns, Niblack found himself suspended once again. The second suspension came as a result of what were described as violations of team policies, though specifics were never fully disclosed. The second suspension was more severe, and rumors circulated that Niblack had been involved in internal team issues that went beyond mere rules violations. Some reports even suggested that Niblack had clashed with members of the coaching staff over his approach to preparation and team dynamics.
The timing of the suspension was unfortunate, as Niblack was poised to make a major impact for the Longhorns. His ability to stretch the field, block on the line of scrimmage, and contribute as a red-zone target made him a valuable piece in Texas’ offensive scheme. However, after the second suspension, it seemed less and less likely that Niblack would return to the team in a meaningful way.
In a statement released by the Texas athletic department, it was confirmed that Niblack would not be rejoining the team and that the university was parting ways with the talented yet troubled tight end. The statement did not go into detail about the reasons for the parting, but it was clear that Niblack’s time in Austin had ended just as abruptly as it had begun.
Entering the Transfer Portal: Searching for Redemption
With his future in question and his NCAA career on the line, Amari Niblack made the decision to enter the transfer portal. The news was met with a mix of surprise and anticipation. Niblack, despite the controversy and struggles with discipline, is still regarded as a highly talented tight end with a lot of potential. His combination of size (6’5”, 240 pounds), athleticism, and versatility is appealing to many programs in need of a playmaking tight end.
The transfer portal has become a key mechanism in college football for athletes to seek out new opportunities when things don’t work out at their current school. For players like Niblack, who have the talent but need a fresh start, the portal represents a chance to reboot their careers. The question surrounding Niblack, however, is whether he will be able to put his disciplinary issues behind him and succeed at another program.
It’s worth noting that Niblack’s situation is not unique. Many talented athletes have found themselves in similar positions after facing suspensions or other off-field issues. Some players are able to turn things around at new schools, while others struggle to regain their form. Niblack’s next destination will be crucial for his development as a player and his future in the NFL, should he choose to pursue a professional career.
What’s Next for Amari Niblack?
As of now, Niblack’s future is uncertain. However, there are several schools that may be interested in giving him another chance, and there is no shortage of programs in need of talented tight ends. Potential suitors could include mid-tier Power Five programs that are willing to take a chance on Niblack’s talent while providing him with the support and structure he needs to succeed. Schools in the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC are likely to be among the first to reach out, but Niblack’s disciplinary issues may make them proceed with caution.
For Niblack, the key will be to find a program with a coaching staff that is willing to invest in his personal and athletic development. The road ahead may not be easy, but there’s no question that Niblack has the potential to make an impact at the collegiate level if he can stay on track. It’s clear that he still has the ability to become one of the top tight ends in the country—he simply needs to prove that he can mature and handle the off-field challenges that have derailed his career so far.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on Amari Niblack as he navigates the transfer portal and searches for his new home. It’s a second chance for redemption, and it remains to be seen whether he will seize it or fall short of his potential. Either way, Niblack’s next move will be one of the most talked-about stories of the 2025 college football season.
