Reports: Texas TE Amari Niblack expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal… see more..

Amari Niblack’s

Amari Niblack’s decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal marks another chapter in his intriguing college football journey. A former four-star recruit out of St. Petersburg, Florida, Niblack was highly sought after coming out of high school due to his rare combination of size, speed, and pass-catching ability. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he was regarded as the No. 3 tight end in the 2022 recruiting class and the No. 23 overall player in Florida. He ultimately committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide, choosing them over offers from other powerhouse programs such as Florida, Miami, and Georgia.

**Time at Alabama**

Niblack joined Alabama with high expectations. As a freshman in the 2022 season, he played sparingly but flashed his potential with several highlight-reel catches. In his sophomore season, he emerged as a key contributor to Alabama’s offense, tallying 327 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 20 receptions. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against opposing defenses made him a valuable weapon. However, his role in the offense varied, and by the end of the 2023 season, he sought a fresh start, entering the transfer portal for the first time.

**Transition to Texas**

Niblack’s move to the Texas Longhorns ahead of the 2024 season was met with optimism. Texas was looking to bolster its offensive firepower, and Niblack’s arrival was seen as a significant addition. However, his time in Austin did not unfold as he had hoped. In seven appearances, he recorded just five receptions for 33 yards. The presence of established players like Gunnar Helm limited his opportunities, and Niblack found himself relegated to a reserve role.

Despite the limited production, Niblack’s talent was evident during his time on the field. His natural athleticism and ability to make contested catches hinted at the potential that had made him a coveted recruit. Nevertheless, with Texas’ tight end room evolving and competition for playing time remaining fierce, Niblack made the decision to seek another opportunity to maximize his collegiate career.

**Implications for Texas**

Niblack’s departure leaves a noticeable gap in the Longhorns’ tight end depth chart. With seniors Gunnar Helm and Juan Davis also moving on, the position becomes a point of concern for Texas heading into the 2025 season. The remaining options include underclassmen Jordan Washington and Spencer Shannon, both of whom have limited experience at the collegiate level.

The Longhorns’ coaching staff will likely turn to the transfer portal themselves in search of reinforcements. With head coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense relying heavily on versatile tight ends who can block and catch, finding a replacement for Niblack and Helm will be a priority.

**Niblack’s Future Prospects**

As Niblack re-enters the transfer portal, his experience and skill set make him an attractive target for programs across the country. His size and athleticism allow him to serve as both a traditional in-line tight end and a slot receiver, giving offensive coordinators flexibility in how they use him. Programs looking to add a proven pass-catching option to their offense will undoubtedly express interest.

Potential suitors may include teams in the SEC, ACC, or Big Ten that are known for utilizing tight ends as focal points of their passing attack. Niblack’s ability to contribute immediately could make him a high-priority target during this transfer cycle.

**The Broader Transfer Portal Landscape**

Niblack’s decision to transfer reflects broader trends in college football. The NCAA transfer portal has become a key component of roster management for both players and programs. For players, it offers an opportunity to find better fits and maximize their playing time. For programs, it provides a way to address roster needs quickly.

Since the introduction of the portal, player movement has increased significantly. While this has brought criticism from some who believe it undermines team stability, others argue it empowers student-athletes to take control of their careers.

**A Pivotal Decision**

For Niblack, the decision to transfer is not just about playing time—it’s about finding the right environment to showcase his skills and potentially position himself for an NFL future. As the transfer process unfolds, his choice of destination will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

Wherever he lands, Amari Niblack has the potential to be a difference-maker, provided he finds a system that aligns with his strengths. His journey serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities inherent in modern college football, where change is the only constant.

Texas Longhorns junior tight end Amari Niblack has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal, marking his second transfer in as many years. Niblack joined Texas in 2024 after transferring from the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career.

**Career at Alabama**

During his tenure at Alabama, Niblack appeared in 24 games, including five starts. In the 2023 season, he recorded 20 receptions for 327 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a dynamic receiving tight end.

**Season with Texas**

In the 2024 season with the Longhorns, Niblack participated in seven games, contributing five receptions for 33 yards. Despite high expectations upon his arrival, he found limited playing time, primarily serving in a backup role behind standout tight end Gunnar Helm.

**Impact on Texas’ Tight End Depth**

Niblack’s departure further depletes the Longhorns’ tight end depth, especially with the exits of seniors Gunnar Helm and Juan Davis. The remaining tight end roster includes underclassmen such as Jordan Washington, a former four-star recruit, and Spencer Shannon, a second-year player with limited experience. The coaching staff may look to the transfer portal to bolster this position ahead of the 2025 season.

**Recruitment and Future Prospects**

Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, Niblack was a highly touted recruit, ranked as the No. 3 tight end in the nation in the 2022 class. His combination of size and athleticism makes him an attractive candidate for programs seeking to enhance their offensive capabilities. As he re-enters the transfer portal, several teams in need of an experienced and versatile tight end are likely to express interest.

Niblack’s decision to transfer underscores the dynamic nature of college football rosters in the transfer portal era, where player movement has become increasingly common. His next destination will be closely watched by those following collegiate athletics.