Asheboro native makes big splash on hit show ‘Love Island’

ASHEBORO — A Uwharrie Charter Academy graduate, who in 2023 helped the Eagles to the first of three straight state baseball titles, is making an even bigger splash on a national stage.

In June, the now 21-year-old was added to the cast of “Love Island,” a hit Peacock TV dating competition series. 

He made his entrance in Season 8 as “a bombshell from the Carolinas,” instantly garnering attention from castmates and viewers alike by laying a smooch on each of the female cast members.

Born and raised in Asheboro, Caleb McDaniel now lives in Charleston, SC. 

He has experience in modeling, appearing in Charleston Living Magazine’s New Year issue in January 2025 and in a variety of advertisements, work shared on his Instagram account at calebbmcdaniell. He’s also a welder.

According to Peacock’s “Love Island” website, Caleb introduced himself as confident he’ll woo the ladies. “My name’s Caleb. I’m a Southern guy,” he said. “I don’t think the girls have experienced the charm that I have yet.”

Also from the website: “As Caleb made his debut with his fellow Islanders at the end of the lingerie slumber party, Ariana said she ‘detected an accent’ and playfully welcomed him with a ‘yeehaw.’ ”

McDaniel’s Instagram page also has some callbacks to his Asheboro days. Accompanying the photo posted at left, he noted, “Thanks to all the coaches that helped me become the player I am today and to all of the teammates and friends I have made over the years cause of this sport.”

New episodes of Love Island USA air every day, except Wednesdays, at 9 p.m. on Peacock.