NC State Wolfpack defensive end Red Hibbler "plans to enter" transfer portal, as per college football insider

The NC State Wolf Pack unexpectedly removed defensive end Red Hibbler from their roster last week. Hibbler transferred to NC State from Northwest Mississippi Community College via the transfer portal in January 2023 and was ranked the No. 5 EDGE in the portal.

ESPN's Pete Thamel revealed on X on Thursday that after being removed from the roster last week, Hibbler intends to enter the transfer portal.

"NC State defensive end Red Hibbler (@jykeveous) plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, his agents Adie von Gontard and Noah Reisenfeld of Young Money APAA Sports tell ESPN,” Thamel posted. “Hibbler led NC State in sacks last season with 6.5. He’ll have one year of eligibility remaining,” Thamel added.

Red Hibbler leveled up for NC State last season

After transferring from Northwestern Mississippi Community College, Red Hibbler joined the NC State Wolf Pack last season. He quickly improved as the season progressed, despite being a rotation option. He was the Wolf Pack's lead pass rusher and finished with a team-high 6.5 sacks.

Last season, the defensive end registered 19 tackles with 6.5 being for loss, one pass deflection and two forced fumbles for a more than passable first season at the top level.

During a news conference at the start of the season, NC State's defensive line coach Charley Wiles was full of praise for Hibbler's impact on the team since he joined last season.

“He (Hibbler) changed our dynamic on third downs, giving us another real effective pass rush guy that could win 1-on-1. Red proved that,” Charley Wiles said.

During the offseason, Red Hibbler was put on a program to increase his bulk to allow him more game time after he was declared undersized when he joined last season.

In pre-season, he gave his assessment of the 2024 season and what he hoped to achieve with his new bulk gained over the off-season.

“Everything has been easier,” Hibbler said. “I can react faster, I can move. It’s kind of hard trying to move with this weight, but I’m able to do it. … It’s really just the weight, just trying to maintain it.”

Neither Red Hibbler nor his agent have announced the defensive end's next move after he missed the 24-17 win against the Northern Illinois Huskies. As per ESPN, Hibbler could redshirt the remainder of the season before entering the transfer portal.

He has been linked to moves to the Mississippi State Bulldogs by the College Football Network which would take him back to his home state and the South Carolina Gamecocks who are in need of an experienced EDGE.