Former Penn State DE Smith Vilbert Announces Transfer to North Carolina

A former Penn State defensive linemen has found his new home. Smith Vilbert, a seventh-year defensive end, will join forces with head coach Bill Belichick and transfer to North Carolina, he announced on social media on Wednesday.

“PSU Family, I just wanted to say I appreciate all the love and support over the years that I’ve been a part of this program,” Vilbert wrote. “I’ve met some great individuals that I can honestly call my brothers, and some great coaches. I am glad I can officially say I am a PSU graduate/alumni thank you!”

The 6-foot-6, 282-pound Vilbert was a regular contributor off the sidelines for the Nittany Lions this past season, his first full year of play since the 2021-2022 campaign. 

Vilbert tallied 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss across 35 total game appearances at Penn State. He was expected to continue contributing in a rotational role next season prior to entering the transfer portal in February.

The Nittany Lions’ defensive end depth is thin with Vilbert’s transfer, as well as the departures of Abdul Carter and Amin Vanover. Dani Dennis-Sutton is set to return to the starting lineup, but who will earn Carter’s vacant spot is currently up for grabs.