As the Penn State football season comes to an end, the roster heading into 2026 is changing. Several players have announced they will enter the transfer portal. However, for offensive lineman Cooper Cousins, changing the situation was out of the question. Cousins announced Monday that he will return to Penn State for his junior season.
Cousins has been a leader since recruiting day, helping to bring other future Nittany Lions into his recruiting class. Since joining the Blue and White, Cousins has been a leader despite not playing much.
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The offensive lineman is highly regarded by all and has the potential to become a fixture on the offensive line in the future.
Cousins finished his high school career as a four-star recruit, ranked No. 57 in the class of 2024. He is the top-ranked interior offensive lineman and top-ranked recruit in Pennsylvania according to the 247Sports Composite.
The Nittany Lions were a key factor in Penn State’s run game victory over the Tigers against Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Cousins filled in for the offensive line when injuries occurred and was a key player on special teams to protect punters.
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Although Cousins enters Penn State as a center, he will likely play one of the guard spots. The future of the center position is also up in the air, so that spot could go to the former four-star recruit.
This article originally appeared in Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State sophomore OL Cooper Cousins announced to return in 2026
