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Former LSU, Georgia, Nebraska TE Arik Gilbert to join Savannah State

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•04/29/25•

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Arik Gilbert Nebraska football 2023
Arik Gilbert (Photo: Nebraska Athletics)

Former LSU, Georgia and Nebraska tight end Arik Gilbert is set to play at Savannah State this year. He hasn’t played in a game since 2022, but played in the program’s spring game last month.

Gilbert began his college career at LSU in 2020 and transferred to Georgia ahead of the 2021 season, but didn’t play that year. In 2022, he played on the Bulldogs’ national championship team, appearing in three games and hauling in a touchdown. He then entered the transfer portal again and committed to Nebraska, although he didn’t play in a game for the Cornhuskers.

Gilbert arrived at LSU as a Five Star Plus+ recruit, meaning he was one of the only players ranked by all major recruiting companies as a five-star. A product of Marietta (Ga.), he was the No. 5 overall player from the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

During his time at Nebraska, Gilbert was arrested twice. The first instance came in August 2023 when he faced a burglary charge after police found him with more than $1,600 worth of vape products, Delta 8, cigars and lighters in a bag when they were called to SJ’s Liquor and Vape Shop in Lancaster County.

In September 2023, records showed Gilbert was arrested again, this time in his hometown in Georgia. He faced charges of obstruction officers and smash-and-grab burglary as a result of that instance.

Savannah State is coming off a 5-5 season in 2024, including a 4-4 mark in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. The Tigers are entering their fourth year under head coach Aaron Kelton, who has a 12-18 overall record and 8-15 mark in conference play during his time at the helm. He previously spent one year as the head coach at Howard before arriving at Savannah State in 2022.

During last month’s Orange and Blue spring game, the Tigers offense came back from a 10-point deficit at halftime to defeat the defense 40-29. Arik Gilbert caught a 39-yard touchdown pass in the game, according to the press release. Savannah State will begin the 2025 season Aug. 30 at home against Edward Waters.