The most recent veteran to return to Penn State for 2025 is one who has the potential to be one of the Nittany Lions’ most crucial depth additions.
In an X (Twitter) post, defensive end Smith Vilbert hinted that he might return to Happy Valley for a seventh season. After redshirting as a freshman in 2019, Vilbert was allowed an additional year in 2020 due to the coronavirus. After missing the 2023 season due to an injury, he most likely earned a medical waiver for an additional year, even though his eligibility would have ended in six seasons.
Despite his poor statistical performance, Vilbert had his best season in 2024. He recorded 1.5 sacks, 12 tackles, and half of a tackle for loss. In addition, he broke up a pass and forced two fumbles. During his erratic career, which included missing all but the 2022 bowl game for unspecified reasons, he has played in 35 games with just one start.
Vilbert never quite realized the potential he showed in the 2021 Outback Bowl when he recorded a game-high three sacks versus Arkansas. However, he emerged as a key rotational player in 2024 and will now play in the same capacity in 2025.
With 339 snaps this season, the New York native and St. Joseph, New Jersey, product came in fourth place behind Abdul Carter, Dani Dennis-Sutton, and Amin Vanover. Vilbert fits in well as a tried-and-true depth piece with Dennis-Sutton back in 2025 and Carter gone to the NFL. Even though they lost a first-round choice like Carter, Penn State shouldn’t see much of a decline at the position.
Vilbert, Dennis-Sutton, Enai White, a transfer from Texas A&M, Max Granville, a bright rookie, and Zuriah Fisher, a veteran recovering from an injury, are now part of Deion Barnes’ defensive end group. The group should be given additional stability by other freshmen like Mylachi Williams and Jaylen Harvey, as well as any surprises from the 2025 class.
Stories by
Max Ralph