Sad; Just Now Wolfpack Faces Roster Shake-Up As Two Superstars Cut Ties With Team
RALEIGH, N.C. – The NCAA transfer portal officially opened on December 9, 2024, and will remain open until December 28. Several NC State players have already declared their intentions to transfer, taking advantage of the opportunity to continue their collegiate careers elsewhere.
To keep track of all the latest developments, Pack Pride has launched an offseason transfer tracker, providing subscribers with real-time updates on player movements.
Changes in Transfer Portal Regulations
The NCAA has adjusted the transfer portal windows for football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball, reducing the timeframe from 60 days to 45 days per year. Under the new rules, football players now have 30 days following conference championship games to enter the portal. Additionally, players whose teams participate in bowl games receive an extra five days after their respective bowl game concludes.
While the portal officially opened in December, player movements have been occurring frequently, particularly among teams undergoing coaching changes. Players whose head coaches are fired are granted a special 30-day window to enter the portal, allowing them to explore new opportunities without waiting for the official transfer window.
Once a player’s name appears in the portal, schools are permitted to contact them freely. However, entering the portal does not guarantee a transfer. Players can withdraw their names at any time, but schools are not obligated to retain scholarships once an athlete enters the portal.
Understanding the Transfer Portal
The NCAA introduced the transfer portal on October 15, 2018, to provide student-athletes with a structured process for transferring to other programs. Players no longer need permission from their coaching staff to transfer—only a request to compliance is required. Typically, it takes 24-48 hours for a player’s name to officially appear in the portal.
Player Updates: Red Hibbler and Jordan Poole
Red Hibbler Enters the Portal
Defensive lineman Red Hibbler was removed from NC State’s roster in late September, and it was later confirmed that he intended to transfer.
Hibbler recorded six total tackles this season, with no sacks or tackles for loss. This was a significant drop from his 2023 performance when he posted 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss in his first year with the program. Hibbler played in only four games in 2024 after seeing his snaps decrease from over 20 per game in the first three contests to just 10 against Clemson, according to Pro Football Focus.
Before transferring to NC State, Hibbler played three seasons at Northwest Mississippi Community College. He received an additional year of eligibility due to COVID-19 and was listed as a redshirt junior before being removed from the roster.
Jordan Poole Joins the Transfer Portal
NC State linebacker Jordan Poole has also entered the transfer portal, seeking a new opportunity. Poole, who has been with the Wolfpack since 2021, was a four-star recruit out of high school and has played a rotational role during his time with the team.
As the transfer window continues, NC State may see more roster changes in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for further updates on player transfers and potential incoming recruits.