NC State defensive back Rente Hinton is heading to Marshall, reuniting with former Wolfpack defensive coordinator Tony Gibson in what looks like a fresh start for the veteran DB. After missing the entire 2025 season due to injury and redshirting the year, Hinton now gets a chance to reset his college career with one final season of eligibility.
Before the injury, Hinton carved out a role as a rotational contributor in NC State’s secondary. After transferring in from the JUCO ranks ahead of the 2023 season, he appeared in 24 games over two years and recorded 16 tackles. While those numbers won’t jump off the stat sheet, they reflect a player who found his way onto the field consistently in a deep and competitive defensive unit.
Now, he’ll look to make the most of his final year of eligibility with the Thundering Herd. The move also brings him back under the guidance of Gibson, who was instrumental in building NC State’s aggressive, hard-hitting defensive identity. It’s a reunion that could serve both sides well-Gibson gets a familiar face who knows his system, and Hinton gets a coach who understands his strengths and how to use them.
Hinton’s transfer is part of a larger wave of movement out of Raleigh. NC State has seen 21 players enter the transfer portal this cycle, a mix of young talent and experienced depth. Among them are notable names like quarterback Lex Thomas, wide receivers Noah Rogers and Terrell Anderson, and a slew of defensive playmakers.
Several of those players have already landed at Power Five and Group of Five programs. Rogers is headed to Alabama, Anderson to USC, and running back Hollywood Smothers is off to Texas.
Offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak will suit up for South Carolina, while linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. is bound for Michigan State. Others, like Justin Terrell and Elijah Groves, are taking their talents to Sam Houston, while Val Erickson joins Liberty’s offensive line.
Interestingly, Hinton isn’t the only former NC State defender now calling Huntington home. Linebacker Kelvon McBride is also transferring to Marshall, giving the Herd two pieces from the Wolfpack’s defensive pipeline. With Gibson at the helm of the defense, there’s a clear vision in place-and Hinton fits right into it.
For NC State, this kind of roster turnover isn’t entirely unexpected in today’s transfer-heavy college football landscape. But it does raise questions about depth and continuity heading into 2026. For players like Hinton, though, it’s an opportunity to close out a college career on their own terms-with a familiar coach, a new locker room, and one more shot to make an impact.