Matt Rhule calls Arik Gilbert's status an 'ongoing process'

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•07/27/23
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One of Nebraska‘s top potential playmakers for the 2023 season is still waiting word on whether he’ll even be able to suit up this fall. Talented tight end Arik Gilbert joined the Cornhuskers via the transfer portal but must obtain an NCAA waiver to play this fall.

To date, there’s no new news on that front, with coach Matt Rhule calling it ‘an ongoing process.’ Gilbert will be able to practice with the team while waiting, though.

“It’s kind of going back and forth,” Rhule explained. “It’s not like it’s not happening. They’re constantly working with each other. When it all comes to fruition, I don’t know. But again, I do believe he should be allowed to play and I’m hopeful he can play.”

The new Nebraska head coach was rather forceful in his assertion that Arik Gilbert should be allowed to play.

But the former LSU and Georgia star has already used multiple transfers, first from Baton Rouge, La., to Athens, Ga., then from Athens to Lincoln, Neb. By NCAA rules, the second transfer would require Gilbert sitting out a year in residence unless he can secure a waiver.

Of course, Rhule knew this was the case when he took Arik Gilbert in.

“When we took Arik we said, ‘Listen, we’re here to help you. This is a long-term play for you. If you’re eligible, great. If you’re not eligible, we’ll help you, you’ll play another year. Then if you want to play next year, great,'” Rhule said. “I just want to help the kid.”

Arik Gilbert is a fascinating prospect, though at this point it’s certainly fair to say he’s been more hype than substance.

He was a former five-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class, tabbed as the No. 5 overall player in the class. He appeared to be on track to live up to that billing, making early waves at LSU.

In 2020 as a freshman he earned Freshman All-SEC honors after catching 35 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns, while starting eight games. But he fell off quickly after his transfer.

In two years at Georgia he recorded just two catches for 16 yards and a touchdown, having trouble staying on the field.

Rhule, though, NCAA rules or not, believes Gilbert should be able to play at this point.

“I’ll say this: He should be able to play,” Rhule said. “In my opinion, Arik Gilbert should be able to play, but it’s not my decision. I hope he can play, but if he can’t play we’re going to stand by him. If you just take that approach with a lot of guys good things will happen.”