Caleb Bacon: From Iowa State Walk-On to Penn State Star
Lake Mills native Caleb Bacon is proving that hard work and determination still pay off. The former Iowa State walk-on turned All-Big 12 standout is now taking his talents to Penn State, following head coach Matt Campbell to the Big Ten. Bacon's journey from an overlooked recruit to a defensive centerpiece is a testament to Midwest perseverance and the kind of grit that Iowa communities celebrate.
How did Caleb Bacon go from an unrated recruit to a Penn State starter?
Bacon's story starts in Lake Mills, Iowa, where he was a dominant force on the football field. During his junior and senior seasons at Lake Mills High School, he racked up a combined 195 tackles and 28.5 tackles for loss. He was a two-time all-state selection and earned first-team all-state honors from the Des Moines Register as a senior. In his final high school season, he led Iowa's Class A with 103 tackles, including an impressive 90 solo stops.
Despite those staggering numbers, major college programs looked the other way. Bacon was an unrated recruit who decided to walk on at Iowa State. He redshirted in 2021 and spent his redshirt freshman season in 2022 playing strictly on special teams. He didn't complain or ask for a handout. He simply put his head down and went to work, eventually earning a scholarship through sheer effort.
How did Bacon overcome his 2024 season-ending injury?
That hard work paid off in 2023. Bacon appeared in all 13 games as a reserve linebacker, finishing second on the Cyclones with 60 tackles. He added 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, establishing himself as a legitimate defensive threat in the Big 12.
The momentum came to a screeching halt in Week 1 of the 2024 season. Bacon sustained a severe lower-leg injury while playing special teams against North Dakota. He underwent surgery the very next day and missed the entire year.
Many players would have given up after such a devastating setback. Bacon chose to fight back. He returned in 2025 with a vengeance, posting 68 tackles, three sacks, and 9.5 tackles for loss. He added a forced fumble, three pass breakups, and four quarterback hurries to his stat line. His outstanding performance earned him All-Big 12 honorable mention and Iowa State's Nick Bassett Perseverance Award, an honor that perfectly encapsulates his journey.
Why did Caleb Bacon follow Matt Campbell to Penn State?
When Matt Campbell made the move to Penn State, Bacon decided to join him. Bacon entered the transfer portal as a 4-star linebacker, ranking fifth at his position and 71st overall. He committed to the Nittany Lions on January 4, bringing his veteran leadership and Iowa toughness to Happy Valley.
He isn't making the trip alone. Bacon is rejoining former Cyclone teammates Kooper Ebel and Cael Brezina. Together, they will anchor a linebacker room that desperately needs stability. Penn State surrendered 20.5 points per game last year, their highest total since the shortened 2020 season. The defense also lost star linebacker Tony Rojas to injury in late September, exposing a severe lack of depth in the room.
What impact will Bacon have on the Nittany Lions defense?
Bacon is expected to start alongside a healthy Rojas and returning linebacker Alex Tatsch for the September 5 opener against Marshall. Campbell has high expectations for the group, praising the talent and experience that the Iowa State transfers bring to the table.