NC State DE transfer Red Hibbler commits to Mississippi State

NC State defensive end transfer Red Hibbler has committed to Mississippi State, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Hibbler, a Mississippi native, will have one year of eligibility remaining to play for the Bulldogs.

Hibbler was the Wolfpack’s leading pass-rusher during the 2023 season, logging 6.5 sacks and 13 total tackles during his first season with NC State. He wasn’t as productive in 2024, totaling six tackles across three appearances.

After playing in four games this season, he was no longer listed on NC State’s roster.

It’s unclear why Hibbler was no longer with the program after September, but it doesn’t appear like it was expected in the offseason. He reportedly bulked up during the offseason in preparation to play more snaps. He relayed his confidence to reporters during fall camp.

“Everything has been easier,” Hibbler said in August. “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.”

Hibbler entered the NCAA transfer portal on Dec. 9, the first day it officially opened. 48 hours, he will reportedly be heading to Starkville to play for Jeff Lebby and company.

He played high school football at Louisville (MS) High School, where he was a four-star prospect in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services.

He was the No. 13 player in the 2022 JUCO rankings after playing for Northwest Mississippi Community College.

He’ll look to help turn around a Mississippi State pass rush that totaled just 10 sacks during the 2024 season. The Bulldogs finished 2-10 overall during this past regular season and 0-8 in SEC play.

The portal officially opens on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. More than 2,800 FBS scholarship players entered their names into the NCAA’s transfer database during the 2023-24 school year. Removing those who withdrew or went pro, the final total sat at 2,707 transfers.

That means roughly 25 percent of all FBS scholarship players hit free agency in one year, per On3’s Pete Nakos.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.