News Summary
Former top recruit Arik Gilbert has announced his transfer to Savannah State University in search of a fresh start after a series of challenges in his college career. Having left LSU, Georgia, and Nebraska, Gilbert aims to revitalize his football journey at Savannah State, a historical HBCU with a promising football legacy. His arrival is expected to enhance the team’s performance and visibility, potentially attracting more attention to HBCU athletics.
Savannah, Georgia – Former top-10 national recruit Arik Gilbert has announced his transfer to Savannah State University, a move that aims to provide the talented tight end with a fresh start after a tumultuous college career. The announcement was made on April 29, 2025, as he looks to make a positive impact on the football program at the historically black college and university (HBCU).
Gilbert, who hails from Marietta High School in Georgia, gained significant recognition during his high school career, where he was celebrated as the 2019 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Over his high school tenure, he recorded an impressive 243 receptions for 3,540 yards and 35 touchdowns, earning him a five-star rating and a top-10 national ranking.
After high school, Gilbert initially committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) and made an immediate impact in his freshman year in 2020. He started eight games, tallying 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns. However, he opted out of the remainder of the season, which led to a series of transitions and challenges.
In 2021, he transferred to Georgia but did not make any game appearances due to personal reasons. The 2022 season saw him make limited contributions, with one touchdown recorded against Vanderbilt. Seeking a new opportunity, Gilbert transferred again, this time to Nebraska, in 2023. Unfortunately, his time at Nebraska was marred by legal troubles, including two burglary arrests, which resulted in a no-contest plea and financial penalties.
After entering the transfer portal in December 2024, Gilbert found himself at Savannah State, which competes in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). This transfer marks a significant turning point in his football career and has generated considerable interest in Savannah State’s football program, as well as in the broader context of HBCU athletics.
Savannah State’s football history is rich, dating back to 1902. Following a period of competition in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, the program rejoined the SIAC in 2019, seeking to rebuild and grow under the leadership of second-year head coach Aaron Kelton. Gilbert’s arrival is expected to enhance both the team’s performance and visibility, potentially attracting further attention to the legacy of Savannah State football.
The addition of Gilbert to the Savannah State roster not only highlights his personal journey but also underscores the increasing appeal and competitiveness of HBCUs in collegiate sports. Home games for Savannah State are played at Ted Wright Stadium, which has a capacity of 13,500 fans, offering a vibrant atmosphere for home games.
Gilbert’s presence is anticipated to impact both the performance on the field and the overall atmosphere around the team. His previous accolades and potential as a player can serve as an inspiration and draw for younger athletes, helping to elevate the football program not just locally, but on a broader national scale.
Overall, Arik Gilbert’s transfer to Savannah State University signals hope for a fresh start for the player while bringing renewed interest to the university’s football program and highlighting the opportunities available within the HBCU athletics landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Athlon Sports
- Sports Illustrated
- MDJ Online
- Rivals
- HBCU Gameday
- Wikipedia: Arik Gilbert
- Google Search: Arik Gilbert Savannah State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arik Gilbert
- Google News: Arik Gilbert transfer
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
