Mississippi State football is finally beginning to get some positive momentum in the transfer portal. Wednesday afternoon they added safety Jahron Manning, and now they're getting some help for the defensive front.
NC State defensive end Red Hibbler commits to Mississippi State out of transfer portal
There is nothing Mississippi State needs more out of the transfer portal than defensive lineman, and they picked up a good one Wednesday evening. ESPN's Pete Thamel reports that former NC State defensive end Red Hibbler has committed to the Bulldogs out of the transfer portal.
Former N.C. State defensive end Red Hibbler has committed to Mississippi State, he told ESPN. He’s a Mississippi native who led NC State in sacks in 2023 with 6.5. This is his final year of eligibility. pic.twitter.com/v1e1aPuECw
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 11, 2024
As a junior with the Wolfpack in 2023, Hibbler proved himself to be one of the better pass rushers in the ACC. He led NC State with 6.5 sacks despite not being a starter. Those sacks made up half of his 13 total tackles. He also added three QB hurries and two forced fumbles. Hibbler played four games for the Wolfpack this season, but he ultimately chose to opt-out and redshirt for the remainder of the year before transferring.
Red Hibbler is no stranger to Mississippi. He's a native of Louisville, MS, right down the road from Starkville, and he played JUCO ball at Northwest Mississippi CC. Hibbler ultimately chose the Bulldogs without even taking his visit to Starkville, which I'd imagine he's already plenty familiar with.
Red Hibbler fills a massive need, but the Bulldogs are far from done targeting defensive lineman in the transfer portal
After managing just 10.0 sacks as a team in 2024, with only 4.0 coming from defensive lineman, Mississippi State desperately needed someone who could provide them with some pass rush. Red Hibbler brings that, but the Bulldogs aren't done going after transfers up front on defense.
State is expected to go heavy in signing defensive line transfers, including multiple players like Hibbler who can rush off the edge. You can expect to hear plenty of D-Lineman announcing for the Bulldogs in the coming weeks.