Former Georgia, LSU, and Nebraska tight end Arik Gilbert has found a new home at Savannah State, continuing his football journey.

The path to success is never linear, and for Arik Gilbert, it has been anything but conventional. From a highly touted recruit to a standout tight end for Georgia, LSU, and Nebraska, Gilbert’s football journey has been marked by ups and downs, challenges, and ultimately, a decision to chart a new course. Now, after several years at the highest levels of college football, Gilbert has found a new home at Savannah State University, where he hopes to finish his college career on his terms and make an impact as a leader on and off the field.

Gilbert’s journey through Georgia, LSU, and Nebraska has been full of twists and turns, each of which has shaped him into the player and person he is today. But one thing has remained constant throughout it all: his love for the game and his unwavering desire to reach his full potential. With a new chapter at Savannah State, Gilbert looks to write the next page of his football story—a story that still has plenty of chapters left to be written.

A Star is Born: High School to LSU

Arik Gilbert’s rise to prominence in college football began long before he stepped onto the campus of any of the schools that would become part of his journey. Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, Gilbert was always a natural athlete. But it was on the football field where his talents truly shined. As a high school recruit, Gilbert’s physical tools were undeniable. Standing at 6-foot-5 and possessing a rare combination of size, speed, and agility, he was a matchup nightmare for defenders. His ability to line up as a tight end but move like a wide receiver quickly made him one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.

Gilbert played his high school ball at the prestigious Marietta High School, where he earned statewide recognition for his performance as one of the top tight ends in the country. By the time he graduated, Gilbert was regarded as the No. 1 tight end prospect in the 2020 recruiting class. His combination of size and athleticism made him a perfect fit for the modern college football game, and his potential was limitless.

With offers from a who’s who of college football programs, Gilbert made the decision to play for LSU, choosing the Tigers over other elite programs. His decision to commit to LSU was seen as a major coup for Coach Ed Orgeron and the Tigers, who were coming off a national championship season. Many believed Gilbert would step into a starting role right away and become an integral part of LSU’s offense. But while his on-field potential was clear, his journey in Baton Rouge would soon take an unexpected turn.

The LSU Experience: Talent Meets Turmoil

Arik Gilbert’s time at LSU was marked by flashes of brilliance but also significant struggles. As a freshman, he showed why he was so highly touted, catching 35 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to create mismatches in the passing game was evident, and he became a favorite target for LSU quarterbacks. His size and versatility allowed him to play both tight end and in the slot, creating numerous opportunities for the offense.

However, Gilbert’s promising career at LSU would be short-lived. After his freshman season, Gilbert made the decision to enter the transfer portal, a decision that stunned many fans and analysts who had expected him to be a centerpiece of LSU’s offense for years to come. The reasons behind his transfer were not entirely clear, but reports suggested that personal issues and off-field challenges played a significant role in his decision. The transition to the college football world was difficult for Gilbert, and he made the choice to leave Baton Rouge in search of a fresh start.

While his time at LSU was filled with promise, it ultimately ended in frustration. However, Gilbert’s transfer to a new program provided him with a chance to reset and reestablish himself as one of the top tight ends in the country.

Nebraska: A New Challenge

After transferring from LSU, Arik Gilbert decided to continue his college football career at the University of Nebraska. The Cornhuskers, led by head coach Scott Frost, were in need of playmakers, and Gilbert’s physicality and skill set made him an ideal fit for Nebraska’s offense.

However, Gilbert’s time in Lincoln was similarly turbulent. His on-field performance showed flashes of what made him a five-star recruit, but injuries, personal struggles, and continued challenges off the field hindered his ability to reach his full potential. Despite his undeniable talent, Gilbert never quite found the consistency that he had hoped for in his second college stop. Injuries limited his time on the field, and after a season in Nebraska, Gilbert once again found himself on the move, seeking a fresh start elsewhere.

Though his time at Nebraska was brief and marked by ups and downs, it wasn’t without lessons. For Gilbert, the process of adjusting to new teams, environments, and expectations helped him grow as both a player and a person. It also allowed him to reflect on the challenges he had faced thus far and understand what needed to change in order for him to fulfill the potential that had made him one of the most highly recruited players in the country.

The Decision to Transfer to Savannah State

Now, after his experiences at LSU and Nebraska, Arik Gilbert has chosen to continue his college football journey at Savannah State University. For many, the decision to transfer to a school outside of the Power Five conferences might seem like a step backward. However, for Gilbert, it represents a new opportunity—one that allows him to get back to the basics, focus on football, and rediscover his love for the game without the pressure that comes with playing for some of the biggest programs in the country.

Savannah State, a historically black university (HBCU) located in Savannah, Georgia, is not known for its football program’s high-profile status on the national stage. However, the Tigers have been steadily building a competitive program, and Gilbert’s arrival is a significant boost for the team. By choosing Savannah State, Gilbert is looking for a new start—a chance to rebuild his career, develop his skills, and contribute to a program that is on the rise.

“Savannah State offered me an opportunity to come in and play right away,” Gilbert said in an interview after announcing his decision. “But more than that, it’s a chance for me to get back to playing the game I love without all the distractions. I’m excited to be part of this program, and I believe we can do great things together.”

Gilbert’s decision to join Savannah State is also part of a larger trend among some athletes who are seeking to make their own mark outside of the major football powerhouses. In a world where college football’s attention is often focused on the elite programs, Gilbert’s choice to go to an HBCU like Savannah State highlights his desire for a different type of experience—one that is rooted in community, personal growth, and a more holistic approach to his college football career.

What Savannah State Gets in Gilbert

For the Savannah State Tigers, Gilbert’s arrival is a game-changer. While the program has made strides in recent years, adding a talent like Gilbert to the roster immediately raises the level of play. A player with his physical tools—size, athleticism, and versatility—can transform an offense and give the Tigers a weapon that many other teams in their conference can’t match.

Gilbert’s skills as a tight end are undeniable. He’s a strong, fast, and agile athlete with the ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against defenders. Whether it’s as a traditional tight end, a slot receiver, or a red-zone weapon, Gilbert has the potential to make an immediate impact for Savannah State. His ability to catch passes, block effectively, and make plays after the catch will provide a significant boost to the Tigers’ offensive attack.

Moreover, Gilbert brings with him invaluable experience from his time in the SEC and Big Ten. Although his college career has been marked by challenges, the experience of competing at the highest levels of college football has taught him lessons that will be crucial as he takes on a leadership role at Savannah State. His presence in the locker room, along with his ability to mentor younger players, will be invaluable for a team that is eager to take the next step.

A New Chapter: Looking Ahead

As Arik Gilbert embarks on this new chapter at Savannah State, it’s clear that his football journey is far from over. Though the road has been rocky at times, his determination and commitment to improving have never wavered. Gilbert’s decision to finish his college career at Savannah State may not have been what many initially expected, but it may prove to be exactly what he needs to unlock the full potential that once made him the top tight end prospect in the nation.

For Gilbert, this is more than just another stop along the way—it’s an opportunity to redefine his career, embrace his role as a leader, and leave a lasting impact on a program that is building something special. As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, Gilbert will look to contribute on the field and help bring Savannah State’s football program to new heights. The story of Arik Gilbert is far from finished, and with this fresh start, the best may still be yet to come.