Penn State's offensive lineman Cooper Cousins is making waves with his unwavering commitment to the Nittany Lions. After the 2025 season wrapped up, Cousins was the first to announce his return to Happy Valley, a decision that came without hesitation amidst the flurry of players entering the Transfer Portal.
Reflecting on his decision, Cousins shared, "I went home after the bowl game, and while my parents wanted to explore options, I knew Penn State was where I belonged." His journey with the Nittany Lions began early, with Penn State being the only program he had eyes for since his recruitment from the Class of 2024. After several visits and a Junior Day experience, Cousins committed, signing on Dec. 20, 2023, and enrolling shortly after.
Even with the shakeup following Virginia Tech's hiring of James Franklin, Cousins remained steadfast. On Dec. 29, 2025, he took to social media to reaffirm his dedication to Penn State.
"I committed as a sophomore in high school with a clear vision: to earn a degree and play football at Penn State. That was always the plan," he emphasized.
Hailing from Erie, Pennsylvania, Cousins made an immediate impact, playing in all 16 games as a freshman in 2024 and missing just one game in 2025. The departure of Florida’s offensive line coach, Phil Trautwein, following Matt Campbell's arrival, didn't sway Cousins. He was ready to embrace the changes and work under new offensive line coach Ryan Clanton, who joins from Iowa State, where he served under Campbell and coordinated the run game.
Cousins' commitment and adaptability are a testament to his dedication, setting a strong example for his teammates as they gear up for another season.