Penn State’s offensive line just got a major boost heading into 2026 - and it’s coming from a familiar face with a whole lot of upside.
Sophomore interior lineman Cooper Cousins made it official Monday: he’s coming back and ready to roll in blue and white. The 6-foot-6, 316-pound lineman took to social media with a clear message: “Ready to get back to work! I BLEED BLUE AND WHITE💙🤍💙🤍” - and based on what we saw this season, Penn State fans have every reason to be fired up.
Cousins played a pivotal role down the stretch for the Nittany Lions, including a start at left guard in Penn State’s 22-10 win over Clemson in the 2025 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. That game wasn’t just a bowl win - it was a glimpse into the future of the Lions’ offensive front, and Cousins was right in the thick of it.
Despite being just a sophomore, Cousins burned his redshirt this season - a clear sign of how much the coaching staff trusted his ability to contribute in high-leverage moments. He appeared in 12 of Penn State’s 13 games, including starts against Ohio State and Clemson, two of the biggest stages of the year. That kind of experience, especially in the trenches, doesn’t just happen by accident.
Originally from Erie and a McDowell High School product, Cousins came to Happy Valley with plenty of hype as the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania in the 2024 recruiting class. A four-star prospect with a big frame and even bigger potential, he’s now positioning himself as a foundational piece of the 2026 offensive line - a unit that will be looking to reload after a deep postseason run.
It’s also worth noting that redshirt sophomore right tackle Anthony Donkoh was the only starting lineman to suit up for the Pinstripe Bowl. His future plans remain up in the air, which makes Cousins’ return all the more significant. With his size, versatility, and growing experience, he’s poised to be one of the key anchors up front as Penn State transitions into the Matt Campbell era.
Campbell officially takes the reins this week after interim head coach Terry Smith guided the team to four straight wins to close out the season. And with young talent like Cousins buying in and stepping up, the foundation is already being laid for what could be another strong campaign in 2026.
Penn State’s offensive line has long been a point of emphasis, and with Cousins returning - not just returning, but ready to lead - the Nittany Lions are in good hands up front.