This is one in a series of stories breaking down each of the players on Penn State Football’s 2026 roster.
De’Andre Cook appeared in four games across his first two seasons with the Nittany Lions and decided to stay on through the bitter end of the James Franklin era and subsequent coaching change. While that’s a testament to his loyalty to Penn State, it also creates a sort of lame duck period: he already knows State College, but he’ll have to learn how to fit into new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s 3-4 system.
Lynn, formerly of USC and UCLA, brought two experienced defensive tackles along with him in the transfer portal who will likely plug right in as the Nittany Lions figure out how to integrate their new style. However, having a stable of fresh defensive tackles will help keep Penn State’s pass rush ferocious for a full 60 minutes, and that’s where Cook could find a role in 2026 before potentially breaking out as a starter next season.
As a bonus, Cook is the grandson of former NFL running back Lonnie Perrin, who played for Chicago, Washington and Denver in the late 1970s.
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 298 pounds
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Hometown: Washington, D.C.
High School Career: A three-star recruit in high school, Cook amassed 11 tackles for loss and ten sacks as a senior. He also won a pair of Washington D.C. “state” championships.
PENN STATE
Where he stands: Cook deserves a tip of the hat for staying on with Penn State after James Franklin’s firing: 46 other players left via the transfer portal, and his loyalty is rare in this day and age. However, the Nittany Lions have experienced defensive tackles like Keanu Williams who should eat up most of the snaps.
Expect Cook to get some playing time as a rotational player or in blowouts, but there are a number of players ahead of him on the depth chart.
