Veteran Penn State defender announces transfer to Bill Belichick’s North Carolina

Seventh-year defensive end Smith Vilbert abruptly reversed course at the end of February, entering the transfer portal as Penn State football kicked off winter workouts. Three weeks later, we now know where the veteran defender will play his final season of college football.

On Wednesday night, Vilbert announced his intention to transfer to North Carolina. The Tar Heels are entering year one under six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick.

Vilbert posted a message to the Penn State football program while announcing his decision.

“I just wanted to say I appreciated all the love and support over the years that I’ve been a part of this program,” Vilbert wrote on X. “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.”

LFG-#GoHeels pic.twitter.com/ishZvsI5iT

— Smithvilbert (@Smithvilbert2) March 20, 2025

The longtime Nittany Lion had previously announced his return to Penn State for the 2025 season before entering the portal last month. Vilbert played in all 16 games last fall after missing 2023 due to injury. He finishes his Penn State football career with 20 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks over 35 games.

Penn State football transfer portal tracker

Penn State defensive end Smith Vilbert. © Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

The 12th member of the 2024 roster to enter the portal, Smith Vilbert becomes the fifth former Nittany Lion to transfer to another power conference program. Cam Miller (Rutgers) and Omari Evans (Washington) chose to stay within the Big Ten, while Beau Pribula (Missouri) and Trey Wallace (Ole Miss) both transferred to SEC schools.

Roster departures (12)

• Feyisayo Oluleye, WR – Entered portal on November 13.
• Jerry Cross, TE – Entered portal on December 2. Committed to Memphis on December 21.
• TA Cunningham, DL – Entered portal on December 9. Committed to Garden City Community College on January 24.
• Beau Pribula, QB – Entered portal on December 15. Committed to Missouri on December 22.
• Jason Estrella, WR – Entered portal on December 27.
• Mehki Flowers, WR – Entered portal on January 13. Committed to Akron on February 17.
• Tyler Johnson, WR – Entered portal on January 13. Committed to ECU on January 18. 
• Cam Miller, CB – Entered portal on January 13. Committed to Rutgers on January 16. 
• Tyrece Mills, S – Entered portal on January 14. Committed to UConn on January 28.
• Omari Evans, WR – Entered portal on January 14. Committed to Washington on January 22.
• Harrison Wallace III, WR – Entered portal on January 15. Committed to Ole Miss on January 19.
• Smith Vilbert, DE – Entered the portal on February 25. Committed to North Carolina on March 19.

Roster additions (6)

• Kyron Hudson, WR – Entered portal from USC on December 5. Committed on December 16.
• Enai White, DE – Entered portal from Texas A&M on December 11. Committed on December 20.
• Devonte Ross, WR – Entered portal from Troy on December 16. Committed on December 24.
• TJ Shanahan, OL – Entered portal from Texas A&M on December 9. Committed on January 10.
• Owen Wafle, DL – Entered portal from Michigan on January 2. Committed on January 11.
• King Mack, S – Entered portal from Alabama on January 3. Committed on January 9.

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