Bacon on Comeback Player of the Year Watch List

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State linebacker Caleb Bacon was named to the 2025 College Football Comeback Player of the Year watch list, presented by the College Sports Communicators (CoSIDA), Associated Press and Fiesta Bowl.

Bacon is poised to return to the field in 2025 after suffering a season-ending injury in last year's season-opener against North Dakota.

Prior to his injury in 2024, Bacon was primed for another standout season. He played the 2023 season as a walk-on and finished second on the team with 60 tackles, eventually earning himself a scholarship.

The Lake Mills, Iowa native registered 6.5 tackles for a loss and 3.0 sacks while also recording eight quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and one forced fumble. He averaged 7.7 tackles per game over the season's final three games.

Iowa State opens the 2025 season August 23 in Dublin, Ireland against Kansas State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Season tickets are on sale, here. Single-game tickets and mini-packs are also available now.

Players Mentioned

Caleb Bacon

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics