LSU tight end Arik Gilbert Transfers to Play for Kirby Smart and Georgia Bulldogs
Get our insider newsletter today
ATHENS - Former LSU tight end Arik Gilbert is transferring to UGA and will play for the Georgia Bulldogs and head coach Kirby Smart.
The move ends days of speculation that Gilbert was heading back to his home state to continue his college football career. Gilbert did not announce his move, but a slew of sources at UGA and connected to Gilbert confirmed the news to Dawg Post. Insiders have expected the move for the past few days.
What We Are Hearing: Why Arik Gilbert Transferred to Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs
Earlier this year Gilbert committed to Florida before backing away from that commitment in February. On the day of that announcement, Gilbert said on social media: “I will not be announcing my final decision until i am enrolled into school and on campus.”
That happened today, and the move gives Georgia one of the top young playmakers in the SEC. Insiders expect Gilbert to play wide receiver in Athens - a position he has hoped to play during his football career.
Gilbert’s move to Silver Britches is the fourth major transfer into the program this off-season for Kirby Smart’s program. Gilbert is the first major transfer to come in on the offensive side of the ball. He ended his LSU career with 35 receptions for 368 yards with two touchdowns. His best game came against Missouri - a six-catch, 97-yard performance that included a score.
It is unclear if Gilbert will be permitted to play this fall as SEC bylaws prohibit the immediate eligibility of undergraduate players transferring inside of the league. However, the NCAA recently adjusted its bylaws to allow undergraduate student-athletes a one-time transfer exemption to play immediately.
Georgia opens is season in Charlotte against the Clemson in primetime on ABC. Both the Tigers and Bulldogs are expected to ranked in the top five coming into the contest.
*DawgPost.com has teamed up with Fanatics to connect our readers with the best selection of officially licensed UGA fan gear out there. If you purchase through our links, we will earn a commission that will support the work we do on this site.