NC State DL Red Hibbler no longer listed on Pack roster

NC State defensive lineman Red Hibbler is no longer listed on the program’s online roster. After he played in 4 games this season, a Wolfpack spokesperson confirmed that the senior pass rusher is no longer a part of the roster.

No reason has been provided for his removal. He played 10 snaps against Clemson after playing at least 24 in the Pack’s prior 3 matchups. Hibbler recorded 6 total tackles, including 3 solo stops, during the 2024 season.

He was the program’s primary pass-rushing specialist, coming into the game on most third downs. The 6-2, 264-pound former junior college recruit joined the Pack in the 2023 class, spending 1 full season at NC State. He recorded 12 total tackles (8 solo) last fall and forced 2 fumbles.

While HIbbler did not record a sack over the first third of this season, he was the program’s most effective pass rusher in 2023. He led the team with 6.5 sacks.

“He changed our dynamic on third downs, giving us another real effective pass rush guy that could win 1-on-1. Red proved that,” NC State defensive line coach Charley Wiles said before the season.

The defensive lineman bulked up over the offseason to play more snaps. After arriving on campus a bit undersized for NC State’s defense, he was ready to be a consistent second-string player.

“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.”

NC State’s backup defensive ends are now likely graduate Noah Potter and redshirt freshman Isaiah Shirley.

Before joining the Pack, Hibbler was one of the top junior college recruits in the country out of Northwest Mississippi Community College. The lineman, hailing from Louisville, Mississippi, was the No. 13 prospect in the nation and the No. 3 defensive lineman.