Nebraska’s Arik Gilbert arrested during eligibility wait

Nebraska tight end Arik Gilbert, a former five-star recruit awaiting an eligibility ruling from the NCAA, was arrested early Tuesday on suspicion of burglary in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Gilbert was arrested without incident while carrying a bag out of a liquor and vape store, according to a statement from the Lincoln Police Department.

Police had been dispatched just before 2 a.m. after a report of a burglary, and found the glass door to the store shattered. Gilbert, 21, was found with more than $1,600 worth of stolen items, including vape products, the police statement said. The damage to the store is estimated at $650.

He was booked in the Lancaster County jail on a burglary charge, which is a felony in Nebraska.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule told reporters Tuesday that, upon learning of the arrest, he was “obviously really disappointed, really sad” for Gilbert.

Rhule is not immediately sure how Gilbert’s arrest will impact his status with the team going forward.

“I’m not prepared to speak on that,” Rhule said. “I don’t know anything about it, I really just got that phone call and I’m not going to jump to conclusions about things.”

Gilbert, ranked as ESPN’s No. 6 overall recruit in the 2020 class, began his career at LSU and had 35 receptions for 368 yards as a true freshman. He initially elected to transfer to Florida after the season but then ended up selecting Georgia.

Gilbert was not with the Bulldogs much in 2021 because of personal issues, and he recorded only two receptions in three games last season.

In January, he elected to transfer to Nebraska. Since Gilbert has already used his one-time transfer exemption, he needs a waiver from the NCAA to be eligible this season.

Rhule had hoped to get a decision before Thursday’s season opener at Minnesota, but he said Tuesday that Gilbert, who had been working with the scout team, would not have traveled.