Penn State Offensive Lineman Cooper Cousins Stays Committed to Nittany Lions

Cousins, the top-ranked interior lineman in the 2024 class, was the first player to announce his return after the Pinstripe Bowl.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Penn State offensive lineman Cooper Cousins decided to stay with the Nittany Lions despite pressure from his parents to explore the transfer portal. Cousins, who has been heavily invested in the program since committing as a high school sophomore, was the first player to publicly announce his return after the team's Pinstripe Bowl appearance. He then took an active role in recruiting other players to stay as well, leading a group of 52 players from the 2025 roster who remained with the program.

Why it matters

Cousins' decision to stay at Penn State is significant, as the program saw over 50 players transfer out following the 2025 season. His unwavering loyalty and leadership helped retain key talent on the offensive line, providing stability for the team as they transition to a new coaching staff.

The details

After the Pinstripe Bowl, Cousins told his parents he had no intention of leaving Penn State, the school he had tattooed on his bicep. He was the first player to announce his return on social media, and then immediately got to work recruiting other players to stay as well. Cousins, who has played four different positions on the offensive line, is focused on the right side for spring practice but is willing to play anywhere to help the Nittany Lions.

  • On December 29, 2025, Cousins announced on Twitter that he was "Ready to get back to work!" and that he "BLEED[S] BLUE AND WHITE".
  • In the days after the Pinstripe Bowl in December 2025, Cousins drove from his home in Erie, Pennsylvania to State College to meet with the new coaching staff and recruit other players to stay with the program.

The players

Cooper Cousins

A rising junior offensive lineman at Penn State who was the top-ranked interior lineman in the 2024 recruiting class. Cousins has appeared in 28 games (starting two) in his two seasons with the Nittany Lions and has been a key part of the team's leadership group.

Ryan Clanton

The new offensive line coach at Penn State, who was "pumped" to hear that Cousins was staying with the program.

Anthony Donkoh

Another offensive lineman at Penn State who returned to the team, along with Cousins, providing stability and experience to the offensive line room.

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What they’re saying

“I truly am in love with this place”

— Cooper Cousins, Penn State Offensive Lineman (Sports Illustrated)

“We didn't want to completely rock the boat or flip it over with that room. We wanted those guys to stay and get developed. And sometimes, even with a lot of the players that were already here, I feel like I believe in them more than other people had. I'm watching their film like, 'Man, this guy can be awesome.' I get excited about watching their film.”

— Ryan Clanton, Penn State Offensive Line Coach (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

Cousins will focus on the right side of the offensive line during Penn State's spring practice, which begins in March 2026.

The takeaway

Cooper Cousins' decision to stay at Penn State despite pressure to explore the transfer portal highlights his unwavering loyalty to the program. His leadership in recruiting other players to remain with the Nittany Lions will provide much-needed stability for the team as they transition to a new coaching staff.