Former 5-Star LSU TE Transfers to SEC East Opponent

LSU tight end Arik Gilbert played in eight games for the Tigers in 2020, and he figured to have a larger role with the team in 2021. However, Gilbert opted out of the rest of the season in December and entered the transfer portal in early January.

Gilbert has landed with a new team. In fact, he's staying in the SEC.

Gilbert has committed to play for the Florida Gators in 2021. It's a double blow for LSU, who not only loses a highly touted weapon but also will see him join an in-conference opponent who the Tigers are even scheduled to face in the 2021 regular season.

Coming out of high school, Gilbert was a 5-Star tight end recruit, ranked as the fifth overall prospect in the nation and No. 1 tight end. He played a solid role for the Tigers in 2020, catching 35 passes for 368 yards and 2 TDs.

Grabbing Gilbert from LSU is huge for Florida, who is losing tight end weapon Kyle Pitts to the NFL Draft after he racked up 43 catches for 770 yards and 12 TDs in 2020.

Florida is currently tied for the seventh-best odds to win the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship at +4000, per FanDuel Sportsbook, while LSU trails at +6000.

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