Previewing the 2026 season for Penn State LB Caleb Bacon

Penn State football will have a completely overhauled roster to get to know in 2026 under new head coach Matt Campbell. Following one of the most active offseasons in recent memory for Penn State with a flurry of activity in the transfer portal, fans will have a lot of catching up to do in getting to know this year's Penn State roster. Fortunately, not every face will be brand new to fans.

Regardless, we will be here to give you a fresh overview of every player on the roster for the 2026 season with a series of player profiles. From all of the returning players, a long list of new faces from the transfer portal, and incoming recruits from the Class of 2026, we will have you covered with this year's player profiles for the Penn State roster. Here is a quick look at linebacker Caleb Bacon for the 2026 season.

Preseason Player Profile Hometown: Lake Mills, Iowa Height: 6-4 Weight: 240 Class in 2026: Redshirt Senior Recruiting Rankings Class of 2021: Unranked prospect Bacon's only collegiate offers were to walk on at either Iowa State or Western Illinois. Career Stats Bacon appeared in 36 total games at Iowa State, compiling a total of 131 tackles, 16 TFLs, and six sacks. Last season, he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors after leading the team in sacks with three.

Depth Chart Overview Bacon will look to be the commanding force of the new look Nittany Lions defense as their starting Mike linebacker. He is most importantly a perfect replacement for Amare Campbell, after his departure to Tennessee. The Nittany Lions hope that his physicality can translate to Big Ten play and than he can continue to improve upon a tremendous collegiate career.