In a midweek announcement, WKU Football quarterback Caden Veltkamp confirmed his allegiance to the Hilltoppers, revealing his decision to return for the upcoming season.
Expressing his commitment, Veltkamp emphasized the strong sense of community at WKU, stating, “I believe in the people here. The people here are the reason it feels like home.” He exuded confidence in the team’s potential, expressing his belief that they have what it takes to compete for a championship.
Veltkamp’s return follows a remarkable performance in the Famous Toastery Bowl on December 18, where he orchestrated a comeback for WKU, overcoming a daunting 28-point deficit to secure a thrilling 38-35 overtime victory against Old Dominion. This victory not only capped off the 2023 season but also earned Veltkamp the Offensive MVP honors for his stellar performance. In a standout display during his redshirt freshman season, he threw for an impressive 383 yards and five touchdowns on 40-of-52 passing, coming off the bench in a pivotal moment of his collegiate career.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Tyson Helton, this triumph marked WKU’s third bowl win in the last three seasons and the fourth in the last five seasons.
Veltkamp’s journey to WKU traces back to his roots in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and his standout days at South Warren High School. Regarded as a three-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports, he showcased his talent by throwing for 2,456 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading the Spartans to a remarkable 14-1 record and clinching a KHSAA Class 5A state title in his senior season.
As WKU wrapped up the 2023 season with an 8-5 overall record, eyes are now set on the future. The Hilltoppers are gearing up to kick off the 2024 season with an exciting matchup against Alabama on August 31, 2024. Veltkamp’s decision to return adds anticipation to the team’s prospects, setting the stage for another compelling chapter in WKU Football.
