Cooper Cousins is all in for Penn State, and he's not shy about it. When he tweeted a puzzle piece emoji, it wasn't just a nod to the puzzle of the team's future-it was a declaration of his commitment to the Nittany Lions for the 2026 season. Cousins, a key figure in Penn State's plans, made it clear: "My vision was clear and set in stone."
Fresh off a significant win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl, where Cousins made his first start at left guard, he sat down with his parents to map out his future. Despite the program's coaching transition from James Franklin to Terry Smith and then Matt Campbell, Cousins knew where his heart was. His decision to stay was as swift and decisive as his initial commitment back in high school.
"I really don’t want to take my time with this," Cousins told his parents. His love for Penn State is more than skin deep-literally. He sports a tattoo of the Penn State logo on his left bicep, a testament to his dedication.
Cousins isn't alone in his loyalty. Many teammates share his passion for Happy Valley.
"We bleed this place," he said, echoing the sentiments of those who chose to stay. As he gears up for his junior year, Cousins is expected to start at right guard, overcoming past lower body injuries with his signature work ethic.
Known for his relentless dedication, Cousins is a familiar sight practicing late into the night. His commitment to improvement is unwavering, whether he's working on pass protection under the stars or texting teammates with questions long after meetings end.
Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser describes him as someone who "eats nails for breakfast" and calls him a "massive human road grader." But Cousins is more than just a formidable presence on the field. He's a community advocate, deeply involved with programs like THON and Team Impact, and recognized on the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List for his service and achievements.
Cousins' influence extends beyond the gridiron. Teammates, past and present, see him as a future captain, a cornerstone in this new chapter for Penn State. Despite the changes and challenges, Cousins' commitment never wavered.
"No matter what happened, no matter who came here, no matter who’s the coach here or what was going on, I truly am in love with this place," Cousins affirmed. His devotion to Penn State and the game of football is unshakeable. He's here to stay, ready to help lead the Nittany Lions into the future.