Alabama Football: Tide might land 5-star TE transfer Arik Gilbert

Can Alabama football land the top transfer portal player this offseason?

Alabama football is filled with 5-star talent across the board, but they are always looking for a chance to improve the roster. One player who has been on the Tide’s radar since his time as a high schooler has been Arik Gilbert.

Gilbert was a 5-star tight end and an early star player for LSU. After shining for most of his freshman season, he opted out for the rest of the year and entered the transfer portal. While he initially chose Florida, he has re-entered the transfer portal and is looking for a new home.

His reasoning for not going to Florida is unknown. Rumors will be scattered, but the truth is that the public is not certain why he decided to leave. Because of that, it is hard to determine where he will go next. If he simply decided he didn’t want to play for the Gators, his options are open. If there were eligibility issues, he might have to go to a junior college before returning to a D1 school.

For the sake of arguing, let’s assume that his options are open. Could he choose to play for Nick Saban and Alabama football?

Alabama has recruited him heavily for a while now. They wanted him to choose the Tide after entering the transfer portal in the first place. Despite the emergence of Jahleel Billingsley, there is a hole at tight end due to Miller Forristall heading to the NFL Draft.

However, Gilbert has already had two chances to choose the Tide. He chose LSU as a recruit and Florida as a transfer. Why would he pick Alabama now?

Well, he’s running out of options. Georgia would likely add him, but they have plenty of top-level talent at the position. His high school quarterback is currently playing for Tennessee, but it’s hard to believe that any high-level recruit will join Tennessee at this point.

If Gilbert wants to stay in the SEC, Alabama football is his best option. Even if he has to sit out for a season before playing, he would have an impact in Tuscaloosa. Bryce Young would love the security of a player like Gilbert to throw to. With the loss of so many receivers, Alabama could use a proven playmaker.

No one knows for sure what Gilbert’s next move is, but Alabama football is likely high on his list. If he is eligible, he should listen to what Nick Saban has to say.