New Florida Gators and ex-LSU Tigers Arik Gilbert delivered an ad that rocked the SEC world on Sunday afternoon. The former five-star recruit announced on Twitter that he is retiring from Florida and will re-enter the NCAA transfer portal. The announcement came just under a month after Gilbert announced his commitment to the Gators.
“I decided to withdraw from the University of Florida and enter the portal again”, Gilbert wrote in a tweet. I will not announce my final decision until I am enrolled at school and on campus. “
Gilbert was LSU’s primary active pass catcher at the time of his decision to withdraw, which followed Terrace Marshall Jr. giving up his eligibility to prepare for the NFL’s 2021 Draft. In season, Marietta, Ga. Native and Gatorade Player of the Year at the National High School of 2020, he picked up 35 balls for 368 yards and two points.
After committing to the Gators, Gilbert will now consider his options again. It is not yet clear whether Gilbert will be eligible for the 2021 season, although the NCAA is expected to vote for a single, no-penalty transfer rule in this off-season that could open the door for Gilbert to see the field immediately.
Gilbert was the No. 1 overall player in the 247Sports transfer ranking released last week. He was considered a great player for the Gators’ attack as a substitute for Kyle Pitts, who is leaving for the NFL after one of the best seasons of a tight end we’ve seen recently.
“The basic lead player on the portal who showed flashes in his first year of the type of incompatible weapon he can be,” said 247Sports analyst Clint Brewster. “Special skills in the passing game, as he can line up anywhere and make contested footprints. All signs point to him being the next big prospect for the NFL tight end. “
Sources told Geaux247, an LSU affiliate for 247Sports, in December that Gilbert was homesick and would likely return home to Georgia for the rest of the semester, despite the Tigers coach Ed Orgeron and your team’s best efforts to retain the talented blue chip. Gilbert entered the portal on January 5, after giving up with two remaining games, where the Tigers won victories over Florida and Ole Miss.
At the time, Orgeron had hoped to bring Gilbert back to the fold.
Get the fastest scores, stats, news, LIVE videos and more. CLICK HERE to download the CBS Sports Mobile App and get the latest news about your team today.
“Do I think we have a chance to bring him back next season? Yes,” said Orgeron. “Is there any chance he’ll be transferred? I don’t know that. He didn’t tell me he’s transferring, but obviously we’re going to recruit him and, obviously, we wish him the best. Take care of things he needs to take care of and be back with us at next year. “
Geaux247 contributed to this story.