Texas' $300k tight end NIL addition recognized as massive bust after Alabama transfer

The NIL market is dynamic and constantly evolving each year. When the transfer portal fully opened up in recent years, there was a race for pocketbooks to open. Things got a little sloppy, and relatively unexciting talent was paid to get a new opportunity elsewhere.

One of the biggest transfer portal busts of the 2024 season was former Alabama tight end Amari Niblack. Niblack joined the Texas Longhorns after two seasons in Tuscaloosa and was supposed to help replace Ja'Tavion Sanders. 

Instead, Niblack was named one of the biggest tight end acquisition fails of the year, and he's off to Texas A&M. Mark Pszonak of Mike Farrell Sports had this to say.

The skinny: For many Texas fans, the underusage of Niblack was one of their biggest frustrations during the 2024 season. Arriving in Austin after beginning to break out during the 2023 season at Alabama with 20 receptions for 327 yards and four touchdowns, he never came close to reaching his potential with the Longhorns. After totaling only five receptions for 33 yards, Niblack has since transferred to Texas A&M in hopes of rejuvenating his collegiate career.

Valued at $307,000 in the NIL portal from On3, Niblack has the size and movement ability that should've translated. He looked good in limited snaps at Alabama, producing 327 yards and four touchdowns on 20 receptions. But Gunnar Helm never ceded playing time to Niblack.

Playing time was sparse for the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder. He saw the field for only 90 snaps and earned abysmal PFF grades in every facet of the game. It's clear he was a bad fit for Steve Sarkisian's offense despite his physical tools looking the part.

Now at A&M, we'll see if the junior can put together some solid tape in 2025. 

For Texas, Spencer Shannon and Jordan Washington will be the primary options at the position barring a surprising spring transfer addition.