The ever-changing landscape of college football’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) market has led to a flurry of high-profile transfers in recent years. While some of these moves have paid off, others have proven to be costly mistakes. One such example is the transfer of former Alabama tight end Amari Niblack to the Texas Longhorns, a move that has been widely regarded as one of the biggest busts of the 2024 season.
Niblack, who was valued at $307,000 in the NIL portal from On3, was expected to make a significant impact for the Longhorns. Having shown promise during his two seasons at Alabama, where he recorded 20 receptions for 327 yards and four touchdowns in 2023, Niblack’s transfer to Texas was seen as a major coup for the program.
However, things didn’t quite work out as planned. Despite his impressive physical attributes, including his 6-foot-4, 245-pound frame, Niblack struggled to find playing time in Steve Sarkisian’s offense. He saw the field for only 90 snaps, earning abysmal grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF) in every facet of the game.
The writing was on the wall, and it soon became clear that Niblack was not a good fit for the Longhorns. His underutilization was a major source of frustration for Texas fans, who had expected him to play a key role in replacing the departed Ja’Tavion Sanders.
As the season drew to a close, it was announced that Niblack would be transferring to Texas A&M in search of a fresh start. While this move may provide him with a new opportunity to revive his collegiate career, it’s clear that his time at Texas was a disappointment.
Mark Pszonak of Mike Farrell Sports summed up the situation succinctly, highlighting the frustration that many Texas fans felt regarding Niblack’s underusage. “For many Texas fans, the underusage of Niblack was one of their biggest frustrations during the 2024 season,” Pszonak noted.
In conclusion, the story of Amari Niblack serves as a cautionary tale about the risks and uncertainties of the NIL market. While Niblack’s physical tools and potential were undeniable, his failure to adapt to the Longhorns’ offense and earn significant playing time ultimately made his transfer a costly mistake. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, programs must be cautious and strategic in their recruitment and utilization of transfer portal talent.
