This is one in a series of stories breaking down each player on Penn State football’s 2026 roster.
Cooper Alexander is another Penn State newcomer with Iowa State ties.
Alexander, a redshirt sophomore tight end from Washington, Oklahoma, followed the Iowa State-to-Penn State pipeline after spending two seasons with the Cyclones. Now, the 6’4”, 241-pound tight end gets a fresh opportunity in State College.
Alexander’s 2025 season at Iowa State was not built on huge numbers, but it did give him meaningful experience.
He played in 11 games and caught five passes for 47 yards. His first reception came against Arkansas State, when he made a 14-yard grab. He later recorded two catches for 17 yards against BYU, added one catch against Arizona State and hauled in an 18-yard reception against Kansas.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.According to Pro Football Focus, Alexander played 77 receiving snaps in 2025 and was targeted eight times. He caught five of those targets, averaging 9.4 yards per reception. He also logged 182 total offensive snaps, including 118 blocking snaps.
The Nittany Lions have long valued tight ends who can do more than just catch passes. Alexander’s blocking numbers were uneven at Iowa State, but his experience in that system should help his transition under Matt Campbell’s staff.
Before Iowa State: Alexander played at Washington High School for coach Brad Beller. He helped Washington win back-to-back 15-0 state championship seasons as a junior and senior. He also made 32 catches for 491 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior.
Where He Stands: Penn State has options at tight end, but Alexander brings size, experience and familiarity with the new staff’s offensive approach. What Penn State fans will continue to recognize is offensive coordinator’s Taylor Mouser’s emphasis on tight ends. That gives Alexander a real chance to carve out a role.
Penn State’s primary tight ends should be Benjamin Brahmer and Andrew Rappleyea but there should be a push from Alexander with fellow Iowa State transfer Gabe Burkle for the TE3 spot heading into 2026.
