In a surprising turn of events, former St. Joseph football standout Smith Vilbert has decided to leave the Penn State football team. The news comes shortly after Vilbert was granted an additional year of college eligibility by the NCAA, making him eligible for a seventh season. Initially, he expressed his intention to stay with Penn State, but now he has entered the transfer portal as a graduate student. This decision marks a significant shift in his collegiate career path.

A Journey Through Adversity and Achievement

Smith Vilbert, a talented defensive lineman who hails from Haiti, has had a remarkable journey through high school and college football. In his early years, Vilbert was a key player for the Green Knights, helping them secure state championships in 2016 and 2018. His performance earned him recognition as an All-North Jersey second-team selection in 2018.

Vilbert’s college career at Penn State faced several challenges. He missed most of the 2023 season and all but one game of the previous season due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, he successfully petitioned the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility, which was granted. This would have made him Penn State’s first seventh-year football player. However, instead of returning to Penn State, Vilbert opted to explore new opportunities through the transfer portal.

In 2024, Vilbert experienced his most active college season yet, participating in all 16 games. During this time, he recorded 12 tackles, including four for loss and 1.5 sacks. Notably, he contributed significantly during the College Football Playoff loss to Notre Dame, where he made an early tackle for loss. Additionally, he forced two fumbles and recovered one, showcasing his impact on the field.

From a journalist's perspective, Vilbert’s decision highlights the complexities and uncertainties that athletes face when balancing their careers and personal aspirations. His journey from a championship-winning high school player to a resilient college athlete demonstrates the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Vilbert’s choice to seek new opportunities through the transfer portal reflects a desire to find the best fit for his future, both on and off the field. This move could open doors to new experiences and growth, underscoring the dynamic nature of college sports.