Caleb Bacon officially switches to defensive end for Penn State

Penn State football player Caleb Bacon has officially transitioned from linebacker to defensive end, according to the team’s official roster. The move follows weeks of speculation during fall camp after Bacon was seen working with the defensive ends.

Bacon, a redshirt senior who previously played four seasons at Iowa State, brings a 6-foot-4, 242-pound frame to the edge position. Coaching staff, including Matt Campbell, noted that the decision was made to maximize Bacon’s versatility and talent. Campbell stated that the team would be ‘missing the boat’ by not utilizing Bacon on the edge during fall camp.

Bacon expressed readiness for the role, noting that his experience as a pass rusher at Iowa State helped prepare him for the transition. The coaching staff views him as a multiplicity piece who can still provide value in coverage as a linebacker if needed.