Penn State’s offensive line just got a major boost heading into 2026. Cooper Cousins, one of the most promising young linemen in the Big Ten, announced on Monday that he’s coming back for another season with the Nittany Lions.
Cousins made the announcement on social media with a clear message: “Ready to get back to work! I BLEED BLUE AND WHITE 💙🤍💙🤍.” And if you’ve watched his development over the past two seasons, that passion tracks.
A former 4-star recruit and the No. 1-ranked interior offensive lineman in the 2024 class, Cousins came to Happy Valley with big expectations - and he’s steadily been earning his stripes. Though he’s been a rotational player at guard so far, he burned his redshirt last season and has shown flashes of the physical, nasty style that Penn State fans love to see in the trenches.
Interim head coach Terry Smith didn’t hold back in his praise after the Pinstripe Bowl, calling Cousins “one of my favorites” and saying, “He loves football. He loves inflicting pain on his opponents.” That’s the kind of edge you want in your offensive line - a guy who plays with heart, grit, and a bit of controlled chaos.
Cousins’ return is especially significant as Penn State transitions into a new era up front. With Ryan Clanton stepping in as the new offensive line coach, Cousins gives the unit a foundation to build around - someone who knows the system, understands the culture, and brings leadership into the locker room. There’s already talk within the program that he’s on a captain’s trajectory.
The Erie, Pennsylvania native has been all-in on Penn State since day one. Former head coach James Franklin once said that Cousins’ recruitment essentially ended the moment he took a lap around the practice field in State College. That kind of immediate connection doesn’t happen often, and it’s clear the bond between Cousins and the program has only grown stronger.
In November, Cousins spoke candidly about his mindset: “I’m looking for more opportunities. I’m ready to attack the opportunities that I’m given.
Obviously, got banged up a little bit this year, so that set me back a little bit. That was something that I had to deal with.
When it’s my opportunity to capitalize, I’m ready to capitalize on whatever opportunities that I’m given.”
That’s the mentality you want from a young lineman - hungry, self-aware, and ready to take the next step. And with another offseason to develop under Clanton’s guidance, Cousins could be primed for a breakout year in 2026.
For a Penn State team looking to re-establish dominance in the trenches, this is a big win. Cousins brings toughness, upside, and a whole lot of blue-and-white pride.