Arik Gilbert Joins Savannah State for 2025 Comeback

Arik Gilbert, a former five-star recruit and Gatorade National Player of the Year, is seeking to revive his college football career at Savannah State University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) that produced NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. Gilbert began his career at LSU, making 35 catches as a freshman in 2020, but faced eligibility and legal issues during brief stints at Georgia and Nebraska, keeping him off the field since 2022. After participating in Savannah State's spring practice, he is expected to be a key addition for the team, which finished last season with a 5-5 record. The Tigers hope Gilbert's size and experience will provide an advantage in the upcoming season. His move is part of a growing trend of athletes using the NCAA transfer portal to overcome setbacks. Savannah State will open its 2025 season on August 30 against Edward Waters University.