BREAKING: Penn State Transfer Adds Flexibility to Bill Belichick’s Inaugural Defense at UNC

North Carolina bolstered its 2025 defensive line this week by adding both size and depth. The Tar Heels secured a commitment from Penn State transfer Smith Vilbert on Wednesday, bringing in a 6-foot-6, 285-pound lineman ranked as the No. 142 overall prospect and No. 17 edge rusher in this offseason’s transfer portal. Vilbert becomes the fourth defensive lineman to join UNC via the portal, reinforcing a revamped front under Bill Belichick.

“UNC is getting a high-motor player,” Inside Carolina analyst Jason Staples noted on IC’s Spring Update show. “He’s a big defensive end built to stop the run. He’s versatile—he can shift inside to the three-technique, as Penn State occasionally used him, or play on the edge as a run-stopper. He even has some pass-rushing ability, though he’s a bit heavy-footed in open space, which is expected for a player of his size.”

Vilbert played in all 16 games for Penn State last season, contributing 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles as the Nittany Lions reached the College Football Playoff semifinals. He made key plays in big moments, including a forced fumble and tackle for loss at Oregon on Dec. 7 and another tackle for loss in the national semifinal against Notre Dame. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

“He has great arm length and the frame you want in a defensive lineman,” Staples added. “He reminds me of Jacolbe Cowan but is more polished. He’s faced top-tier competition and graded out well. While he’s not likely to be an All-ACC player, he’s a solid, slightly above replacement-level defensive end who can also provide some interior pass-rushing ability.”

Defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is expected to implement a versatile 4-2-5 scheme, similar to the one he used at Washington, incorporating multiple and odd fronts—an approach influenced by Bill Belichick’s New England defenses. UNC has focused on adding linemen with positional flexibility through the transfer portal.

“Vilbert fits well in Belichick’s system,” Staples said. “He likes to move players around to create mismatches. You might see three or four defensive ends on the field at once or a nose tackle lined up outside. Vilbert’s versatility makes him an ideal fit for that style of play.”