N.C. State transfer defensive end Red Hibbler breaks down Mississippi State decision
Red Hibbler spent his prep career creating havoc in opposing backfields at Louisville High School. Now he gets to finish out his college career close to his hometown.
The former N.C. State transfer defensive lineman committed to Mississippi State on Wednesday and it was the Bulldogs’ second transfer commitment of the day. The 6-foot-2 and 264-pound Hibbler played two years at Northwest Mississippi Community College before heading to N.C. State for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
“Everything was just great with Mississippi State,” explained Hibbler. “Ever since I entered the portal I was liking Mississippi State. It’s close to home and it is the highest level you can play at.”
In 2023, Hibbler totaled 13 tackles with a team-best 6.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss along with two forced fumbles. This past season, Hibbler played in three games and had six tackles before opting to redshirt in 2024. For the Bulldogs, he expects to play a similar position.
“The coaches told me they loved my film,” Hibbler added. “They love what I do and wanted me to be part of their team. I can play edge or three-down and I played three down at N.C. State. I feel like I fit great in their scheme and I’m used to playing on the edge.”
While Hibbler has not yet officially visited Mississippi State, he has been in regular talks with defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler and defensive line coach David Turner since entering the transfer portal.
“My talks were mainly with Coach Hutzler, the defensive coordinator, and Coach Turner, the defensive line coach,” noted Hibbler. “It was great with both of them. I’ve heard a lot about Coach Turner before and how he develops defensive lineman. That was one of the reasons I wanted to play for Mississippi State.”
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Hibbler also realizes he will face a step-up in competition in the trenches going from the ACC to the SEC. But he believes the nutrition plan at Mississippi State will prepare his body well for that transition.
“I think being on the meal plan at Mississippi State is also gonna help me get stronger,” Hibbler remarked. “I didn’t think I had the role to showcase my talent at N.C. State so I wanted something different. I know I’ll be facing stronger athletes in the SEC but that’s where the meal plan will help me out. I get to face better competition and it’s going to help everything align right for me.”
Which also includes being closer to his friends and family in Louisville. That was another major selling point for Hibbler when he announced his intentions on Wednesday.
“It’s a big deal to play my last year close to home,” Hibbler mentioned. “My family gets to watch me play and I get to play in front of huge crowds at Mississippi State. I mean, who wouldn’t want to play back home and perform in front of a crowd like that? It’s gonna be great.”
