In Iowa State’s 20-17 win over TCU this past season, linebackers Cael Brezina, Caleb Bacon and Kooper Ebel recreated the viral meme of three Spider-Men pointing at each other in a circle.
So when the trio transferred to Penn State, Brezina wanted the photo edited to have the trio wearing Penn State jerseys with “LBU” at the top in white block letters. The ex-Cyclone linebackers all collaborated on an Instagram post with the graphic.
“We had that picture from the TCU game that we did the Spider-Man meme. We thought that was really funny,” Bacon said. “So we were like, might as well turn it into something cool that would commemorate what this program has done here at Penn State with developing linebackers.”
Each of the players had brief familiarity with “LBU” before they arrived. Brezina was aware of Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter wearing the No. 11. Ebel brought up LaVar Arrington.
But they quickly needed to learn more about the reputation of playing linebacker at Penn State as the next in line of players to represent the position.
“When I first got here, and I walked him down the big old hallway in our facility, there’s a long line of All-Americans, first-team All-Americans,” Ebel said. “If you look up there, it feels like just about every other one of them is a linebacker.”
Linebacker Kooper Ebel speaks during the Penn State football players media in Beaver Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 in University Park, Pa.
Matt Cropp
One of those former All-Americans is Dan Connor, someone Ebel said he remembers watching play alongside Hall of Fame linebacker Luke Kuechly with the Carolina Panthers.
Connor stuck around on staff despite seeing his role go from linebackers coach to the assistant in the group. All three of the Iowa State transfers said he’s helped them learn more about the history of the room, and they believe he’ll be able to help them in plenty of other areas as time goes on.
“I think he’ll be super important when we start playing football, techniques to use, fundamentals, because he’s done it at the highest level,” Brezina said. “He also knows what it means to play here and play at a high level here. I think that’s really helpful and important. He’s a good dude, knows the area really well, so he’s been a good resource to have.”
Linebacker Cael Brezina speaks during the Penn State football players media in Beaver Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 in University Park, Pa.
Matt Cropp
The threesome combined for 174 total tackles as the top linebackers for Iowa State in 2025. They project to once again see a key role on the defense, with Tony Rojas spearheading the unit.
Regardless of who clocks the most snaps, the relationship they built in Ames, Iowa, leaves them hopeful of building off each other and their new teammates to play for “LBU,” potentially becoming the next greats to play the position at Penn State.
“The three of us have done literally everything together for the last three years,” Ebel said. “So that’s been awesome. We’re super grateful and privileged to be able to stay together and come to Penn State, and we look forward to competing and meshing with the linebacker room here.”
MORE FOOTBALL COVERAGE
Penn State is reportedly set to lose another coach to the NFL.
If you’re interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here.