This is one in a series of stories breaking down each player on Penn State football’s 2026 roster.
Cooper Cousins could have looked around.
He didn’t.
That tells a lot of the story.
Cousins, a junior in-state offensive lineman from Erie, enters 2026 as one of Penn State’s most important players up front. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder has already played meaningful snaps at multiple positions, started games and shown the type of loyalty that carries weight inside a locker room.
After Penn State’s season ended, Cousins made his stance clear: He wanted to stay. He had committed to Penn State as a sophomore in high school, and in his mind, the vision never changed.
“I’m going to go to Penn State University. I’m going to get a degree from Penn State University. I’m going to play football at Penn State University,” Cousins said when discussing why he never seriously considered leaving.
For a program going through transition, Cooper’s commitment to the program was invaluable.
Cousins appeared in all 16 games as a true freshman in 2024, working on offense and special teams.
He arrived with major expectations, earning true freshman preseason All-America recognition from 247Sports, ESPN and On3. He was also named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year watch list.
He saw significant offensive line action during some of Penn State’s biggest offensive performances that season. Against Kent State, Penn State set a school record with 718 yards of offense and 40 first downs. Against Illinois, the Nittany Lions rushed for 239 yards and three touchdowns. At Purdue, Penn State totaled 539 yards and did not allow a sack.
In 2025, Cousins’ role grew.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.He appeared in 12 games and made two starts while earning Academic All-Big Ten honors. He also entered the season on the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List and was a Good Works Team nominee.
Cousins made his first career start at Ohio State. He also helped Penn State produce 465 yards against Villanova, 412 yards against Nebraska and a season-high 509 yards at Rutgers, a game in which Kaytron Allen rushed for 226 yards.
According to Pro Football Focus, Cousins played 177 offensive snaps in 2025. He finished with a 67.5 overall blocking grade, including a 66.6 run-blocking grade and 65.8 pass-blocking grade. His best game came in the bowl matchup against Clemson, where he played 78 snaps and posted a 69.7 overall grade.
The most valuable part of Cousins’ profile might be his flexibility. He has taken game reps at center, right guard, left guard and left tackle. Cousins said his focus entering spring was likely on the right side, but he also made clear he would play wherever Penn State needed him.
Before Penn State
Cousins played at McDowell High School for coach Brad Orlando. He was a three-year letterman, two-time team captain and three-time all-state selection. He helped McDowell win district titles as a sophomore, junior and senior.
Cousins was a consensus four-star prospect and one of Pennsylvania’s top recruits. On3 ranked him as the No. 110 overall prospect, No. 5 interior offensive lineman and No. 3 player in the state.
Where he stands: Cousins is no longer just a talented young lineman with upside.
He is a player Penn State needs.
PSU needs stability, toughness and leadership up front. Cousins offers all three. Now, the next step is turning his versatility and experience into a full-time role.
Penn State has had plenty of gifted offensive linemen.
Cousins has the chance to become one of its anchors.
