Matt Rhule provides Arik Gilbert waiver update, makes passionate statement

Arik Gilbert‘s status for the 2023 season is still up in the air and Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule isn’t pulling any punches regarding his feelings for the matter. The Georgia transfer’s waiver has yet to be cleared from the NCAA and with just weeks before the season’s start, time is running out for a decision to be made before the 2023 season.

“It’s not finalized yet. I’m going to be really disappointed if he doesn’t get it. He’s the most deserving young man of that. If he doesn’t get it, the NCAA shouldn’t even have the waiver,” Rhule said. “But there are a lot of parties involved. A lot of entities out there that don’t have people’s best interests at heart. Arik deserves, 100%, in my opinion — in my humble opinion — the great thing about me is that I’ve been through enough that I say what I think.

“If he doesn’t get it, no one should have this waiver.”

Rhule was asked a follow-up to his answer about who could be standing in the way of Gilbert’s ability to play college football in 2023. Was it Georgia? The NCAA? Rhule said he couldn’t comment, but certainly alluded to someone or something causing the roadblock.

“When you’re behind the scenes, you see a lot,” Rhule said. “We must protect AG and he deserves this and shame on anyone that stands in the way or doesn’t help.”

Gilbert spent the past two seasons with the Bulldogs but ended up playing in just three games this past season. He was able to catch two passes for 16 yards and found his way into the end zone.

It’s a far cry from where he was in high school — as he was one of the nation’s best prospects. Gilbert played his high school ball at Marietta (GA) and was a five-star-star. He was the No. 5 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services.

Still, he can become a major player for Nebraska’s offense if he’s allowed to be on the field. Rhule is certainly rooting for him.

Nebraska kicks off its 2023 season on Aug. 31 on the road against Minnesota. By that time, the Huskers will hope to have Gilbert’s waiver situation cleared and finally put to rest.