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Picture this: You’re the star tight end, built like a modern-day Goliath, ready to feast on defenses. But instead, you’re sidelined, watching your team fall short in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Frustration brews, the grass seems greener elsewhere, and boom—another transfer portal dive. 2nd portal jump in 3 years, low-key crazy init?

Amari Niblack, the ex-Alabama phenom who had one season with the Texas Longhorns, is plotting his next move. The spotlight’s back on him, but this time, he’s facing an uphill climb. And yeah, the whispers of a visit to their Arch Nemesis? They’re not just rumors. When Niblack landed in Austin last offseason, he was supposed to be that guy—a red-zone nightmare and a big-time contributor to the Longhorns. But reality hit differently. Gunnar Helm stole the show in Texas’s tight end room, putting up video-game numbers—60 catches, 786 yards, and seven TDs. Meanwhile, Niblack? Over 125 snaps on offense and special teams, but not a single playoff reception. Niblack caught 5 receptions for 33 yards, too bad for someone who transferred from Bama for more play-time. Not the breakout year he—or the Longhorns—had in mind.

 

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See, Steve Sarkisian’s offense doesn’t shy away from using tight ends, but competition was fierce. Helm’s dominance and the emergence of Juan Davis left Niblack on the outside looking in. So, the writing was on the wall after Texas’s heartbreaker against Ryan Day’s Ohio State squad in the Cotton Bowl. Time to bounce.

Niblack’s journey started with sky-high expectations in Tuscaloosa, signing with Alabama as a high-four-star recruit. He had the résumé—21 catches, 342 yards, and five touchdowns in two seasons under the legendary Nick Saban. His best moment? A 2023 touchdown grab in a thriller against Texas. But Saban’s retirement shook up the program, and like many others, Niblack saw greener pastures elsewhere. The move to Texas was supposed to be his comeback story, but it turned out to be more of a subplot. Now, with another shot in the portal, he aims to rewrite the script. And Texas A&M might just be his next chapter.

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Amari Niblack expected to visit Texas A&M: according to On3

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Is Amari Niblack's transfer saga a sign of untapped potential or just another college football misstep?

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Here’s the tea: Niblack’s visit to College Station is already making waves. Texas A&M, fresh off an 8-5 season under first-year head coach Mike Elko, is hungry for more talent. Their tight end room is stacked—former Nebraska standout Nate Boerkircher and Auburn transfer Micah Riley are already onboard. Add Niblack to the mix, and the Aggies could be cooking up something special for 2025. But let’s be real—A&M ain’t no cakewalk. Under offensive coordinator Collin Klein, the tight ends are workhorses, expected to block, catch, and everything in between. And Niblack? He’s more of a route-runner than a blocker. Still, if he can carve out a niche, the Aggies’ offense might just become his playground.

For Texas, losing Niblack hurts, but it’s not a total gut punch. Sarkisian and tight ends coach Jeff Banks have been stacking talent through recruiting and development. The Longhorns are banking on their younger guys to step up in 2025, but losing someone with Niblack’s potential leaves their room a low-key green. On the flip side, if Niblack joins Texas A&M, he’ll face stiff competition. The Aggies’ tight end rotation is already buzzing, and with their run-heavy scheme, the margin for error is slim. Can Niblack rise to the occasion, or will he find himself in another crowded room?

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Amari Niblack’s next move is more than just a transfer; It’s a break-or-make-type year for 6’4″ tight end. The man’s like run-like receiver. He’s got the tools to make it to the big leagues. But ain’t gonna lie, success ain’t guaranteed—especially in the SEC, where competition is cutthroat. If he joins Texas A&M, Niblack could find himself part of a dynamic offense with a fresh start under Mike Elko. So, leaving the Longhorns right move? Probably. Stay tuned, folks. You are bound to hear that name again. For good or bad.

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Is Amari Niblack's transfer saga a sign of untapped potential or just another college football misstep?