Former Dickinson State tight end Gage Gilbert, a 2023 Harding County High School graduate, has announced he is transferring to North Dakota State University to continue his football career.
Gilbert, a 6‑foot‑6, 250‑pound two‑time all‑conference selection, recorded 49 receptions for 489 yards and seven touchdowns across 15 games at Dickinson State. After the 2025 season, he entered the transfer portal to explore opportunities at higher levels of competition.
Gilbert said he valued his time at Dickinson State but wanted to “see how high I can go.” He drew interest from NDSU, South Dakota State, Northern State, and Division I New Mexico before committing to the Bison.
The move continues a family connection to Fargo. Gilbert is cousins with former NDSU All‑American offensive lineman Grey Zabel, a 2025 first‑round NFL Draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks, and current Bison tight end Jett Zabel, who will be a sophomore next season.
North Dakota State’s national profile also appealed to Gilbert. The Bison have won 10 FCS national championships since 2011.
Gilbert was a four‑sport standout at Harding County, competing in football, basketball, track and field, and rodeo. Although he originally planned to pursue college rodeo, he accepted an offer from Dickinson State, where he followed in the footsteps of his father, Matt, a former Blue Hawks linebacker.
After redshirting in 2023, Gilbert earned all‑conference honors in both 2024 and 2025. He finished last season with 33 receptions for 273 yards and three touchdowns, including a 10‑catch, 109‑yard, two‑touchdown performance against Valley City State.
Gilbert said he intends to carry the work ethic he learned growing up in Buffalo into his new opportunity at the Division I level.
