Iowa State defensive back Caden Matson (43) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a blocked punt during the first half of a game against Baylor on Saturday in Ames. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

AMES — The moment was nothing short of surreal for Caden Matson.

The Iowa State redshirt sophomore and former Humboldt star scooped up a blocked punt and darted to the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown late in the second quarter. The Cyclones would go on to secure a 43-21 victory over Baylor inside a packed Jack Trice Stadium.

Luckily for Matson, who helped lead Humboldt to the Class 3A state semifinals in 2021, he has video evidence that it all happened. After all, he doesn’t remember much of it.

“I blacked out a little bit,” Matson said. “First off, I remember thinking I’ve (just) got to cross the goal line (first). Once I did, I remember pointing to the crowd. I dropped the ball and I shouldn’t have dropped the ball.

“(Former Greene County standout) Tyler Miller lifted me like 20 feet of the ground.”

Matson secured the loose ball that was blocked by Myles Mendeszoon. The play resulted in the first touchdown on a blocked punt for the Cyclones since 2004 vs. Northern Illinois.

A two-time all-stater for Humboldt, Matson played in two games on special teams last year after spending the 2022 season taking a redshirt. As a senior, he had 49 total touchdowns while throwing for 2,611 yards and rushing for another 1,636.

The 6-foot, 205-pounder has carved out a role with special teams since arriving on campus.

“Special teams do the dirty work that nobody else wants to do,” he said. “A lot of times, it’s walk-on guys who get their shots. They do the dirty things and there is no glitz or glamour — it’s all about attitude and effort.

“The true character of your team is when you get those guys to buy into special teams and care about it. When you’ve done that, you have a special team, and that’s something we have.”

Iowa State is now off to its best start since 1980 at 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Big 12 Conference. They head to West Virginia this coming Saturday.