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Mississippi State

100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 27 Days - No. 27, DE Red Hibbler

3rupauk8_400x400by: Robbie Faulk08/03/25RobbieFaulkOn3
red hibbler
Photo by Mississippi State Athletics

Year two of the Jeff Lebby era has arrived and the Mississippi State coach is back to work.

After a disappointing first season, the coach and his staff are doing what they can to get things back on track in Starkville. The players on the field will be the difference for State this season if they are to make a return and we’re going to discuss every single one of them over the course of the next few months.

As we do every year, we’re counting down 100 days until State’s first game at Southern Miss in Hattiesburg on August 30. Over this period of time, we’ll breakdown every scholarship player on the roster, look back at great moments in MSU history and even talk about legends that have come before the current Bulldogs.

Today, we look at a newcomer on the defensive line that should help State’s pass rushing issues.  

27 Days: No. 27, Sr. Defensive End Red Hibbler      

We’ve already discussed a lot of State’s defensive line improvements from the offseason and this one was one of the Bulldogs bigger gets of the portal.

It’s a return home for Hibbler who is a native of nearby Louisville. The 6’2, 275-pounder played for arguably the state’s best program historically as the Wildcats are just behind West Point for the most state championships in Mississippi history.

During his junior and senior seasons with MC Miller and then Tyrone Shorter and the Wildcats, Hibbler racked up 119 tackles, 46.5 tackles for loss and 27.5 sacks. He helped his team to a state title that junior season and set the tone for what would be three more championships from 2020-2023.

Despite his high performance in Class 4A with the Wildcats, Hibbler went the junior college route and played for Northwest Mississippi Community College. As would be the case throughout his college career, Hibbler made the most of his time when he was in the ball game.

As a freshman in 2020, Hibbler played in six games but had 3.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks. That production went up the next season with 21 tackles, 9.0 TFL and 5.0 sacks as a sophomore. Due to Covid-19, he would have a chance at a third year in JUCO and he had his best season year with 41 tackles, 16.5 TFL and 9.0 sacks.

Thanks to Hibbler’s JUCO production, the offers came pouring in. He picked up verbals from UConn, UAB, Coastal Carolina, Arkansas State and many others. NC State would be the biggest of those offers and he would commit to the Wolfpack.

During the 2023 season, Hibbler was a pass rushing specialist with 7.0 of his 13 tackles going for loss and 6.5 sacks with two forced fumbles. Hibbler was primed for a big final season in Raliegh but would see his season come to an end after four games when he had six total tackles and he used that year as a redshirt.

Shortly after entering the transfer portal in the offseason, Hibbler got an opportunity to come back home to play for the Bulldogs. He was hoping to get back closer to Louisville and the Bulldogs were looking for pass rushing ability so it worked out well.

Heading into the season, Hibbler will be competing at the defensive end spot. Hibbler will have plenty of competition, but he should be able to get a lot of playing time this season as well. Here’s hoping for a strong finish to his career.  

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