BREAKING: 3-star OL Michael Gibbs commits to NC State
NC State secured its first offensive line commitment of the 2025 recruiting cycle Sunday afternoon. Michael Gibbs officially joined the Wolfpack’s class after picking the program over fellow finalists Virginia Tech and Duke.
The three-star versatile lineman from Wilmington (N.C.) Hoggard High was a critical member of a North Carolina 4A state finalist squad last fall. He ended his high school season in Carter-Finley Stadium in the state championship. Now, he plans on playing his collegiate career there.
Gibbs announced his decision on social media Sunday.
He picked up offers from Penn State, Virginia and others before narrowing his recruitment to the Wolfpack, Hokies and Blue Devils. He officially visited each of those programs and wrapped up his summer travel schedule in Raleigh June 21-23.
“I definitely got to see a side of NC State, not only NC State but also Raleigh, that I’d never seen before,” Gibbs said after the visit.
NC State welcomed him to campus like family that weekend. The lineman, ranked No. 19 in North Carolina by On3, is super familiar with the program after taking a handful of visits to see the Pack. He picked up his offer Nov. 3, 2023. NC State was his first Power Four scholarship.
“I didn’t think I was going to be offered,” Gibbs said Nov. 30. “I thought there was going to be a phone call, a checkup. The recruitment process with them has been great. It was quick, it was shocking.”
He was the second in-state prospect at his position in the 2025 class to receive an NC State scholarship offer. Offensive line coach Garett Tujague is his primary recruiter and built a very strong connection with Gibbs and his family. The Wolfpack assistant maintained a consistent presence at Hoggard High, and NC State hosted the lineman constantly.
Gibbs visited for junior days in 2023 and 2024, last year’s win over North Carolina, a spring practice and this year’s spring game. He wrapped up his recruitment June 23 when he committed to Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren in his office.
The Wolfpack really impressed the lineman and his family during the visit. His mother, Malissa Gibbs, shared a glowing review of the program.
“This was our last OV, and we had previously done everything from boat rides to lake excursions and there was a lot of pomp and circumstance at those,” Malissa Gibbs said. “This visit was different. It felt like packing up the family car and getting to go to the family reunion.”
On3 considers Gibbs the No. 36 interior offensive lineman in the nation. NC State recruited the 6-3.5, 280-pound rising senior as a tackle, but he has the versatility to slide inside to guard if needed. He is the No. 12 commitment of the Wolfpack’s 2025 class.