Caleb Bacon receives Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors

Penn State defensive end Caleb Bacon earned Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week recognition following the team's season opener on September 5, 2026. Playing at Beaver Stadium against Marshall, the transfer from Iowa State recorded three tackles for loss, a sack, and six total tackles in the first half alone. This performance marked Bacon’s first appearance as a Nittany Lion and his debut as a full-time defensive end after transitioning from linebacker. The Nittany Lions held Marshall scoreless throughout the contest, securing the program's first shutout in a season opener since 2017. Bacon shares the weekly conference award with UCLA’s Ta’Shawn James, who registered two interceptions in a victory over Cal. The defensive efforts were pivotal in the shutout victory for Penn State.

• 12:52 PMYahoo Sports — Caleb Bacon Named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week