Career Summary

Smith Vilbert is a defensive lineman who played at Penn State and North Carolina before joining Minnesota in 2026.

His college career spanned seven seasons, with his final year coming with the Tar Heels. He earned a Vikings contract following a rookie-minicamp tryout.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

Early Life

Vilbert's listed hometown is Montvale, New Jersey.

He attended St. Joseph Regional before continuing his football career at Penn State.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

High School

Vilbert helped St. Joseph Regional win a New Jersey state championship.

The Green Knights finished his senior season 10–2 and captured the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 4 title, their first in that division in 20 years. He recorded 45 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks that season and was a consensus three-star recruit.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

College Career

Vilbert played at Penn State from 2019 through 2024 and North Carolina in 2025.

Across 35 Penn State games, he collected 20 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. His final Nittany Lions season included 16 appearances.

At North Carolina, he played 12 games and produced 22 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack and two fumble recoveries.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

Path to the NFL

Vilbert entered the NFL through Minnesota's rookie-minicamp tryout process.

The Vikings announced his signing on May 11, 2026, his 25th birthday. The team listed him at 6-foot-6 and 282 pounds.

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NFL Career

Vilbert spent the 2026 offseason with Minnesota.

After signing in May, he was waived on August 30 during the Vikings' initial roster reduction.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

Career Accomplishments

Vilbert's early achievements include a high-school state title and extensive major-college experience.

He contributed to St. Joseph Regional's championship season and went on to make 47 college appearances across Penn State and North Carolina.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15