It’s official: LSU freshman tight end Arik Gilbert has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

AL.com’s Matt Zenitz confirmed that Gilbert had done so on Tuesday afternoon amid speculation whether or not he’ll return to the Tigers for the 2021 season. Although Gilbert has put his name in the transfer portal, it doesn’t mean he couldn’t come back to LSU after exploring his other options.

And Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron indicated on Tuesday morning that he was optimistic that Gilbert would be back.

“We love Arik, he entered the transfer portal, we are still in contact with his mother and his family,” Orgeron said during an appearance on 104.5 ESPN in Baton Rouge. “Hopefully he wants to come back. I just wish the best for him.”

Gilbert was a 5-star prospect out of Marietta (Ga.) High School, and he was the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2020 class, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. He committed to LSU on Oct. 23, 2019.

During his freshman season, Gilbert had 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. His touchdowns came early in the year, as he scored against Mississippi State on Sept. 26 and Missouri on Oct. 10.

A year after winning the national championship, LSU had a down season, getting off to a slow start and finishing 5-5. However, the Tigers could bounce back in 2021, and Gilbert could be a key reason for that if he decides to return.

But it appears Gilbert is at least going to consider his other options now that he’s officially in the transfer portal, so LSU will have to wait to see what happens next.