Penn State is on a mission to elevate its wide receiver game, with new position coach Kashif Moore stepping up to the plate as spring practice approaches. The Nittany Lions are looking to shake things up after a few seasons of underwhelming aerial performances.
Since the days of 2021 All-American Jahan Dotson, no Penn State receiver has caught more than 53 passes in a season. Last year’s senior transfer additions didn’t deliver the boost needed, contributing to struggles in the Big Ten and prompting a leadership change.
First-year head coach Matt Campbell is determined to rejuvenate the receiving corps. "We need to reshape things and bring that spark back," Campbell emphasized last month.
Moore wasn’t initially slated to replace former receivers coach Marques Hagans, who moved to Michigan. Noah Pauley was Campbell’s first choice, but he quickly transitioned to an NFL opportunity with the Green Bay Packers.
Moore joined Penn State last month after a stint at Colorado State, following a successful run at UConn. There, he helped Skyler Bell achieve the program’s first-ever first-team AP All-American status. Bell’s senior year was spectacular, with 101 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns, making him a Biletnikoff Award finalist.
Bell, who once considered returning to the Big Ten through the transfer portal, praised Moore's influence. "Coach Moore worked with me daily on technique and drills, making me a more polished receiver," Bell shared.
Moore played a pivotal role in Bell’s transition from Wisconsin, where Bell had 69 receptions for 755 yards over three years. Bell credits Moore and the UConn staff for helping him become a leader and standout receiver.
In his 2024 debut with the Huskies, Bell recorded 50 catches for 860 yards and five touchdowns. By the following year, as accolades poured in, Moore was the first to share the All-American news with Bell.
Looking ahead, Bell is projected as a Round 2-3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, Moore is busy molding Penn State’s revamped receiver room, which welcomed seven new faces this winter, including five transfers and two freshmen. Among them are former Iowa State starters Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell.
"Coach Moore is fantastic," Eskildsen remarked. "He focuses on developing us as both players and individuals."
Moore's own playing days were impressive. As a team captain at UConn, he ranked in the top-10 in receptions, turning 126 catches into 1,699 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also spent time with several NFL teams, including the Bengals, Colts, Chiefs, and Steelers.
Eskildsen summed it up well: "I'm really impressed with Coach Moore. He’s got the right perspective, and I’m excited to work with him."